Learn about the notable differences between the Canadian and US mandate rules.
Mark Samber
Canada’s electronic logging device (ELD) mandate was adopted on June 12, 2019, and is effective for all federally-regulated carriers.
The Canadian mandate closely follows the U.S. rules and operability requirements, which was a very intentional move by Transport Canada. Regulators and industry knew that Canada’s mandate must closely follow the U.S. rules to avoid disrupting cross-border transportation and the movement of goods across the border.
While the ELD operability requirements are very similar, there are a few notable differences between each country’s regulations. A few of the more prominent differences between the two countries are described below.
ELD Mandate Comparison – Canada vs. United States
| Canada | United States | |
| Implementation | Implementation June 2021, no grandfathering provisions | Mandate adopted Dec. 2015; mandate effective Dec. 2017; grandfathering for carriers using AOBRDs ended Dec. 2019 |
| Certification | ELD 3rd party certification | ELD provider self-certification |
| Exemptions | Limited exemptions for: drivers operating under a permit or statutory exemption; drivers operating a rental CMV for 30 days or less; drivers operating CMVs manufactured before the year 2000 | Drivers operating a rental CMV for 8 days or less; pre-2000 exemption is the same as Canada; also, multiple industry/situational exemptions |
| Notifications | Compliance with the limits must be tracked, and the driver must be warned 30 minutes before reaching a limit | U.S. devices must only record; no warning required |
| Malfunctions | 14 days to replace or, if the trip is longer than 14 days, upon return to the terminal; carrier must keep records of malfunctions | Up to 8 days allowed, no recordkeeping requirement |
| Roadside Inspection Enforcement | Display or print the record of duty status; email records upon request by enforcement. Bluetooth/USB transfer is an option, not mandatory |
Display or printout or Bluetooth/USB/web/email is required (must transfer using one of 4 methods.) Email direct to officer is not an option. |
| North of 60N | Device must have the ability to change when crossing 60N (to Yukon and Northwest Territories) | Not applicable |
