Records of Duty Status (RODS)
Understanding Driver Duty Limits and the Role of Electronic Logging Devices
A truck driver’s daily duty on the road is often unpredictable and can vary based on routes, traffic, weather, and delivery schedules. Despite these variables, every driver must adhere to three strict maximum duty
- Drivers can work seven days in a row but must have a break of at least 34 consecutive hours before starting a new seven-day period.
- Mandatory 30-minute rest brakes after 8 consecutive hours of driving.
- After 14-hours of duty a driver needs at least 10 hours of break before next drive.
- 16-hour Short haul exception: If your haul ends in the same place where it began – or your regular workplace – you can use the 16-hour exception, instead of 14-hour duty period.
Legislative Authority
To protect Drivers from Fatigue and safeguard public interest, FMCSA mandate the Record of Duty Status (RODS), use of ELD under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) on December 18, 2017. The ELD mandate is applicable to all long-haul trucking companies. FMCSA specified the requirements for system specification on ELD, and FMCSA should approve the device providers.
ELD Exceptions:
- Drivers who qualify for short-haul exceptions use timecards instead of ELDs and are not required to maintain Records of Duty Status (RODS)
- Drivers who use paper RODS for 8 or fewer days within any 30 days also qualify.
- Drivers conducting drive-away-tow-away operations, where the vehicle being driven is the commodity being delivered, are exempt as well.
- Drivers of vehicles manufactured before 2000.
ELD Malfunctions:
Carriers need to confirm that drivers are sufficiently equipped with tools on how to operate ELD. Since Electronic devices are subject to malfunction, carriers must also provide alternatives to record of duty status if there are failures with the ELD.
A user’s manual for the driver describing how to operate the ELD.
An instruction sheet describing the data transfer mechanisms supported by the ELD and step-by-step instructions to produce and transfer the driver’s record of service hours to an authorized safety official.
An instruction sheet for the driver describing ELD malfunction reporting requirements and recordkeeping procedures during Electronic Logging Devices malfunctions.
A supply of blank driver’s records of duty status (RODS) graph-grids sufficient to record the driver’s duty status and other related information for a minimum of 8 days.
Record Maintenance:
A common question is how long Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records must be stored for compliance with federal regulations. Per FMCSA, a motor carrier must retain ELD record of duty status (RODS) data and backup data for at least six months. Due to its operational significance, we recommend saving this critical information longer. Additionally, a motor carrier must retain a driver’s ELD records in a manner that protects the driver’s privacy.