Canada ELD compliance rules and regulations: Know the specifications

Full enforcement of the federal rule for electronic logging devices (ELDs) for commercial trucking fleets operating in Canada began on January 1, 2023. This means commercial motor carriers, outside of exempt operators, must have chosen, bought and installed certified ELD devices.¹ 

Here's what commercial trucking fleets operating in Canada need to keep in mind with this newer enforcement. 

The benefits of ELDs

ELDs make it easier and faster to accurately track Hours of Service (HOS). As a result, fleets and drivers can realize several benefits:¹

• Reduced fatigue-related crashes, injuries and deaths
• Reduced likelihood of out-of-service detention time for regulation violations
• Lower enforcement costs for provinces and territories and administration costs for industry
• Fairer competition for federally regulated motor carriers
• Better integration with U.S. regulatory requirements
• Improved driver quality of life

Considerations and specifications for ELDs in Canada

Fleets and commercial drivers are required to use ELDs that have been tested and certified by an accredited certification body that has followed the criteria in the most recent version of the standard and the regulations, to ensure ELD manufacturers meet the proper restrictions set forth by the Canadian government.¹ 

In addition, here are other considerations fleet managers should keep in mind about the use and operation of ELDs: 

• United States-compliant doesn’t mean Canada-compliant. While requirements in the Canadian ELD Standard are aligned with those of the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for interoperability, the Canadian ELD Standard includes additional requirements to comply with current HOS Regulations in Canada.²
• An ELD must automatically switch to driving status once the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is moving up to a set speed threshold of eight kilometers per hour (4.97 miles per hour). As a result, the in-motion state must not be configured greater than eight kilometers per hour.²
• A driver may use a portable device, smartphone or other wireless device if the device meets ELD technical specifications. A portable ELD must be mounted in a fixed position during commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operation and visible to the driver from a normal seated driving position. ²
• A motor carrier must assign only one ELD driver account for each of its drivers required to use an ELD.²
• During a roadside inspection, a safety official will use the ELD’s display screen or printout to review the driver’s Records of Duty Status (RODS) and verify compliance with the Canadian HOS regulations. ²
• An ELD must use onboard sensors and data record history to identify instances when it may not have complied with the power requirements specified in the ELD rule.³
• The ELD is required to obtain and display the engine control module (ECM) value at all times. Authorized safety officials will use the odometer value reported on the ELD.³

It's also important to note that some vehicles may be exempt from the new rule. According to the Canada Gazette, commercial vehicles will be exempt from needing ELDs if they:

• Operate under a specific permit issued
• Have a statutory exemption
• Are subject to a rental agreement with terms under 30 days
• Operate a vehicle that was manufactured before 2000

Download our fleet vehicle compliance management guide to learn more about fleet compliance management as well as common mandates and requirements.

Additional noteworthy ELD points

As Canadian fleets near the ELD mandate compliance date, these last few points are noteworthy in terms of understanding how to use ELDs and apply the ELD rule: 

• Rental trucks used for 30 days or less are exempt
• Drivers who “pick up” incorrect unassigned driving time can “put it back”
• Drivers who have used up their 75 kilometers personal use allowance will be switched to on-duty
• The ELD must warn drivers when they are running out of HOS 

Common ELD questions

When is location data recorded by an ELD?

Location data must be recorded by an ELD at 60-minute intervals when the vehicle is in motion, and when the driver powers up and shuts down the engine, changes duty status and operating jurisdiction, and indicates personal use or yard moves. Location data is not recorded during personal use of a CMV.

What are the options for ELDs to electronically transfer data?

On demand during a roadside safety inspection, an ELD can produce and transfer ELD records for the current 24-hour period and the previous 14 consecutive days. At a minimum, the ELD will electronically transfer data to the authorized safety official by email. 

Finding the right telematics ELD solution 

Choosing the right telematics ELD solution is crucial because it can significantly impact fleet productivity, safety, and compliance. A reliable ELD solution should be user-friendly, provide accurate and real-time data, allow for easy integration with other systems, and comply with industry standards. Additionally, the right ELD solution can help reduce operational costs, enhance driver performance, and streamline fleet management. Therefore, fleet managers and trucking companies should carefully evaluate their options and select the ELD solution that best fits their needs to simplify compliance with HOS regulations, boost safety, and increase efficiency.

¹https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/electronic-logging-devices/electronic-logging-devices-what-you-need-know

²ttps://www.ccmta.ca/en/eld-faq

³https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/eld-technical-specifications