FMCSA compliance questions
Where EZ Logs stands on FMCSA registration, and how it handles records of duty status, edits, malfunctions, roadside transfer, in-cab documents and record retention.
Is EZ Logs on FMCSA's list of registered ELDs?
Not yet. EZ Logs is built to the FMCSA ELD technical specification (49 CFR Part 395, Subpart B, Appendix A), and FMCSA registration is in progress. Until EZ Logs appears on FMCSA's list of registered ELDs, it is not a registered ELD. 49 CFR 395.22(a) requires carriers to use only ELDs on that list to meet the ELD mandate. We will tell carriers when registration is complete. Check the current list on FMCSA's ELD website: https://eld.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Is EZ Logs an AOBRD?
No. EZ Logs is an ELD built to Appendix A. It has no AOBRD mode. Under the ELD rule, grandfathered AOBRDs could only be used until December 16, 2019.
What does EZ Logs record?
The records of duty status required by 49 CFR 395.8 and Appendix A: duty status changes (Off duty, Sleeper berth, Driving, On duty), intermediate logs while driving, engine power-up and shut-down, login and logout, certifications, malfunctions and data diagnostics, with date, time, location, vehicle miles and engine hours from the truck's engine computer through the PT30. Each log day follows the carrier's 24-hour period start in the home terminal time zone.
Is driving detected automatically?
Yes. When the truck moves, the ELD records Driving automatically. When it stops, the driver is asked whether they are still driving; with no answer, On duty is recorded.
How are edits handled?
ELD records are never overwritten. Every change goes through the edit process of Appendix A and keeps the original record. Drivers can edit and annotate their own entries; carrier edits are proposals that the driver must accept or reject. Automatically recorded driving time cannot be shortened or changed to another status (49 CFR 395.30(c)(2)). Drivers certify each day's log (49 CFR 395.30). See Edits and edit requests and Certifying your logs.
How does EZ Logs handle unidentified driving?
Driving recorded while no driver is signed in is kept under an unidentified driver profile. Drivers are asked to review it when they sign in to that truck, and the carrier reviews the rest. More than 30 minutes of unidentified driving in 24 hours sets the unidentified driving records data diagnostic. See Unidentified driving.
Which roadside transfer methods are supported?
The telematics option: web service and email to FMCSA. Drivers can also show their logs on the phone screen. USB and Bluetooth transfer to the officer's device are not supported. See the Roadside data transfer instruction sheet.
What has to be carried in the truck?
Under 49 CFR 395.22(h), each truck must carry:
- the data transfer instruction sheet (Roadside data transfer instruction sheet),
- the malfunction instruction sheet (ELD malfunctions),
- a supply of blank graph-grid paper logs for at least 8 days.
The ELD user's manual no longer has to be carried in the truck (final rule 91 FR 37053, effective July 22, 2026), but it is available at ELD user manual.
What happens when the ELD malfunctions?
EZ Logs monitors the malfunctions and data diagnostics of Appendix A (power, engine synchronization, timing, positioning, data recording, data transfer and others). On a malfunction the driver must tell the carrier in writing within 24 hours, keep paper logs, and be able to show the previous 7 days. The carrier must repair or replace the ELD within 8 days (49 CFR 395.34). See ELD malfunctions.
How long are records kept?
ELD records and supporting documents are kept for at least 6 months, with a backup copy on a separate device (49 CFR 395.8(k)(1), 395.22(i)). EZ Logs keeps monthly backups and a separate exported copy of ELD records and the audit log for 7 months. DVIRs are kept for at least 3 months (49 CFR 396.11). Records still under a legal retention period cannot be deleted or altered, including by the carrier. See the Privacy Policy.
Are drivers' accounts separate?
Yes. Each driver has their own login and must not share it (49 CFR 395.22(e)). Team drivers each keep their own log. See Team driving.
Which hours-of-service rules does EZ Logs apply?
US property-carrying rules (49 CFR 395.3): 11 hours driving, 14-hour window, 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving, 10 hours off duty to reset, and the 60-hour / 7-day or 70-hour / 8-day cycle with the 34-hour restart.