FMCSA Rejects Request to Let Truck Drivers Use Paper Logs Instead of ELDs

Truck drivers will not get a new option to replace their ELDs with paper logbooks after FMCSA denied an exemption request from the Federation of Professional Truckers.

The group asked FMCSA to allow drivers subject to the ELD mandate to choose between an electronic logging device and paper records of duty status.

FMCSA denied the request, saying the group did not provide enough information to show that the exemption would maintain a level of safety equal to or greater than the current ELD requirements.

The decision does not create a new ELD rule. Existing federal ELD requirements and current exemptions remain in place.