ELD malfunction? How to stay on the road

March 15, 2022

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With 3G wireless networks across the country going offline, a rising concern is the functionality of electronic logging devices. Fortunately, if you are among those to lose service due to the 3G sunset, procedures are in place to keep you on the road.

In the event of an ELD malfunction, drivers have an eight-day window to repair or replace the nonworking unit. During that time you are required to maintain a paper record of duty status. Within the first five days, an extension can be filed for if more time is needed to replace the ELD.

Extension requests can be filed via email at ELD-Extension@dot.gov or by contacting or the FMCSA division administrator in the state the principle place of business is maintained. According to the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration’s website, the email needs to contain:

The name, address, and telephone number of the motor carrier representative who files the request.

The make, model and serial number of each ELD.
The date and location of each ELD malfunction as reported by the driver to the carrier.
A concise statement describing actions taken by the motor carrier to make a good faith effort to repair, replace, or service the ELD units, including why the carrier needs additional time beyond the eight days provided by this section.

Once the extension has been filed, FMCSA will provide a written letter with their decision. Drivers may continue to operate provided a manual record of duty status is being completed. If all of the criteria have been met, drivers will be deemed in compliance until FMCSA makes a determination regarding the exemption request.

The determination made by FMCSA will be a final agency action, meaning you will not have an opportunity to appeal.Set featured image