Federal regulators are tightening oversight of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and other safety rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a complete overhaul of the ELD vetting process, revoked five devices with a 60-day replacement window for carriers, and advanced separate actions on commercial driver licensing, hours-of-service exemptions, and equipment allowances.
FMCSA to overhaul ELD vetting
FMCSA said it is implementing “a complete overhaul of the vetting process for Electronic Logging Devices” to reduce the risk of approving devices that later require revocation. The agency said the updated process “closes loopholes in the system,” giving carriers and drivers greater assurance that the ELDs they purchase are accurate, reliable, and compliant.
The initiative follows remarks by FMCSA Senior Policy Advisor Michael Hampton at the Guilty By Association Truck Show in September, where he said the agency would implement a more thorough ELD vetting process.
Five ELDs revoked; 60-day replacement window
FMCSA has revoked five ELD models and reminded motor carriers and drivers using any of the affected devices that they have 60 days to replace them with compliant units. The revocation-and-replacement timeline follows the agency’s standard approach when devices are removed from the approved list.
Hours-of-service and ELD compliance decisions
FMCSA clarified that a charitable organization’s drivers do not qualify for the paper log provision under 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(ii)(A). Although the organization reported infrequent trips, the agency confirmed its operations exceed eight days within a 30-day period, requiring use of an ELD to track hours of service.
The agency also announced it will deny the NPGA’s application for exemption from certain hours-of-service requirements between December 15 and March 15 each year. The decision will be published in a Notice in the Federal Register on December 2, 2025.
Other regulatory actions
In late September, FMCSA issued an emergency interim final rule stating that an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) would no longer be sufficient to obtain a non-domiciled commercial driver’s license.
In a separate equipment action, FMCSA noted that Grote Industries has sought a five-year exemption renewal allowing motor carriers to install amber brake-activated warning lamps on the rear of trailers.