ELD Mandates: U.S., Canada, and Mexico

Cross-Border Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandates can be confusing. But remaining compliant on foreign soil is essential.

Confused by cross-border ELD mandates? No need to worry. We’ve scoured the federal sites to bring you all the right info. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what RODs data is expected of you when crossing an international border.

Let’s dive in.

Key Points

• Canada mandates an ELD to be used at all times. However, enforcement of the new mandate was pushed back until Jan 1, 2023.
• Canada offers four main ELD mandate exemptions. If stopped, drivers must have ELD logs for the current day and the previous 14 days on hand.
• The U.S. requires ELDs for U.S.-based operations. Several exceptions apply. Foreign drivers do not need an ELD if traveling within a 100 air-mile radius of the border.
• Mexico requires only that you have RODs. ELD or paper logs will do.
• US drivers operating on foreign soil must have logs for their time out of the country. ELD or paper logs are fine.

Canada’s ELD Mandates- What it Means for U.S. Drivers in Canada

In 2021, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) announced changes to its ELD mandate. Beginning June 12, 2021, all federally-regulated commercial vehicles driving on Canadian roads are required to use an Electronic Logging Device (ELD). This includes US-based carriers.

Exemptions are few with the new mandate. Currently, they include vehicles:

• manufactured before 2000
• under a rental agreement less than 30 days
• operating under a permit from a provincial or territorial HOS director
• operating under a statutory exemption

Drivers were notified that their vehicles could use devices that meet both Canadian and U.S. regulations. However, the CCMTA states that ELDs must be tested and certified by a Transport Canada-certified body. Furthermore, U.S. exemptions (e.g., agricultural exemption) are not recognized in Canada.

Mexico’s HOS Mandates- What it Means for U.S. Drivers in Mexico

According to Mexico’s SEGOB, drivers are not required to carry an ELD. That goes for U.S. drivers as well. But, they will find the local laws similar to U.S. ones. And, while Mexico does not require ELDs, it still requires Hours of Service (HOS) logs, written or digital.

Additionally, Mexico requires that drivers take a 30-minute break after five consecutive hours of driving. Eight-hour breaks are mandated for all drivers after driving for 14 hours. Finally, drivers are not allowed to drive more than 14 hours in any given 24-hour period.

Whether a driver opts for written or digital logs, they must be accessible in the vehicle.

Additional ELD Info for U.S. Drivers

According to the FMCSA, U.S.-based drivers working in either Canada or Mexico must be able to present RODs or ELD data for their hours logged out of the country. These records must cover the current day along with the preceding seven days.

U.S. ELD Mandates- What it Means for Canadian & Mexican Drivers

According to the latest Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) ELD mandate, all foreign drivers in the U.S. must meet U.S. ELD requirements. There are a few exceptions, however.

Exemptions include:

• Vehicles older than model year 2000
• Vehicles housing an engine older than model year 2000
• Foreign drivers making trips within a 100 air-mile radius of border crossing

What Does it All Mean?

Your best bet as a driver is to use an ELD at all times. Whether your operations are U.S., Canada, or Mexico-based, an ELD will help you meet regulatory requirements. Simply retain your logs for two weeks or more, and you’ll have what you need when stopped. Regardless of where your work takes you, an ELD is the best, most hassle-free solution.

If you or your company lacks an ELD solution, reach out to us! Or if you want a better solution, we can help with that as well!

Photos – iStock