With all of the press surrounding the new Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rule – it’s easy to forget that electronic logs have been around since October of 1988. The rules that apply to paperless, electronic recording of commercial drivers Hours of Service are found in 395.15. Until the new rule is published in the Federal Register – we’re all under 395.15. Once published, there is a 2 year grace period for non-AOBRD users, 4 year grace period for AOBRD users.
The AOBRD regulations will be here for at least a couple more years. AOBRDs (Automatic Onboard Recording Devices) is the name given to any device that currently produces compliant, paperless, electronic logs.
If your fleet is equipped with compliant AOBRDs, here are the rules:
1. Drivers do NOT need to provide a hardcopy of their logs – although they may voluntarily do so.
2. If an officer deems it necessary – he/she can require additional information via fax, email, or similar means within 48 hours of the roadside inspection.
A compliant AOBRD has requirements for the information displayed, but not the format in which it is displayed.
