FMCSA Denies Federation of Professional Truckers' Request for ELD Exemption

What Changed

On September 30, 2026, FMCSA published a final disposition denying the Federation of Professional Truckers’ request for an exemption from the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate. The denial means that professional drivers must continue to use ELDs to record their records of duty status (RODS).

Who It Applies To

The decision applies to all professional drivers covered under 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(i), which requires ELD use for RODS. The exemption would have allowed drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) for no more than eight days in any 30‑day period to record RODS manually. The denial keeps that provision in effect.

What a Carrier Should Check

Carriers should verify that all drivers who log RODS are equipped with compliant ELDs. They should review their driver compliance records to confirm that no driver is using manual logging for more than the allowed eight days in a 30‑day window. If a carrier had planned to rely on the exemption, they must update training and equipment plans accordingly. Interpretation: Carriers should treat this denial as a confirmation that manual logging is not permitted beyond the eight‑day limit, and adjust their compliance programs accordingly.

• Confirm all ELDs meet FMCSA specifications.
• Audit driver logs for manual entries beyond eight days.
• Update driver handbooks to reflect continued ELD requirement.
• Notify drivers of the denial and reinforce ELD usage.

What Remains Unclear

The denial does not address whether future applications for similar exemptions will be considered. Carriers unsure about how the ELD rule may evolve should monitor FMCSA notices and consult legal counsel to confirm applicability to their specific operations. Interpretation: It is unclear whether FMCSA will revisit the exemption process in the future.