ELD Exemptions FMCSA 2026:
Which Drivers Are Exempt?
Quick Answer
FMCSA exemptions from the ELD mandate include: (1) Short-haul drivers who operate within a 150 air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location AND return to their reporting location within 14 hours — these drivers use time records instead of ELD; (2) Drivers of vehicles manufactured before model year 2000; (3) Drivers who use paper logs no more than 8 days in any 30-day period; (4) Drivers operating under a valid FMCSA ELD exemption (driveaway-towaway operations,...
Not every CDL driver needs an ELD. Here are the five FMCSA exemptions, exactly which drivers qualify, and what records exempt drivers must keep instead.
Important: ELD exemptions only affect the recording device requirement — NOT hours of service limits. Exempt drivers still must comply with all HOS rules (11-hour drive limit, 14-hour duty limit, 10-hour rest requirement). Violating HOS limits is a separate violation regardless of ELD status.
ELD Exemptions at a Glance
| Exemption | CFR Reference | Record Type Instead | HOS Still Applies? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-haul 150 air-mile radius | 395.1(e)(1) | Time records | Yes — always |
| Pre-2000 vehicle | 395.8(a)(1)(iii) | Paper logs | Yes — always |
| 8-day/30-day rule | 395.8(a)(1)(i) | Paper logs (exempt days) | Yes — always |
| Agricultural commodity haulers | 395.1(k) | Time records or paper | Yes — always |
| Driveaway-towaway operations | 395.1(e)(2) | Paper logs | Yes — always |
ELD Exemptions — Detailed Requirements
Short-Haul (150 Air-Mile Radius)
Most CommonMost commonly used exemption — applies to local and regional delivery drivers
- Operates within 150 air-mile radius of reporting location
- Returns to reporting location within 14 consecutive hours
- Drives no more than 11 hours in a shift
- Has at least 10 consecutive off-duty hours between shifts
- Does NOT maintain a logbook (uses time records instead)
Pre-2000 Vehicle Exemption
Hardware BasedDrivers operating a CMV manufactured before model year 2000
- Vehicle model year must be prior to 2000
- Engine control module (ECM) not compatible with ELD
- Driver must maintain paper logs instead of ELD
- All HOS rules still apply — only the device requirement changes
8-Day/30-Day Rule
Occasional UseDrivers who use paper logs no more than 8 days in any 30-day period
- Driver maintains paper logs for 8 or fewer days per 30-day rolling period
- On days using paper logs, all HOS rules and log requirements apply
- On other days, driver must use ELD
- Most applicable to drivers who occasionally make interstate trips
Agricultural Commodity Haulers
Seasonal / AgCarriers transporting agricultural commodities or farm supplies within 150 air miles of source
- Transporting agricultural commodities from harvest location
- Within 150 air miles of source
- During planting or harvest season as defined by the state
- Also covers livestock transport and farm supply delivery to farms
Driveaway-Towaway Operations
Specialized UseDrivers transporting a vehicle that IS the commodity being delivered
- Vehicle being transported is the cargo (not the transport vehicle)
- Includes new vehicle delivery, fleet relocation, totaled vehicle transport
- Driver uses paper logs — ELD not required
- All HOS limits still apply
What an ELD Exemption Does NOT Cover
All HOS rules (11/14/10 hour rules, 60/70 hour weekly limits) apply to exempt drivers. The exemption only changes the logging device.
Exempt drivers are still CDL drivers. Their DQF must be complete — MVR, med cert, pre-employment drug test, application, etc.
All DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements (49 CFR Part 382) apply regardless of ELD exemption status.
Pre-trip and post-trip Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) are still required. Annual vehicle inspections are still required.
Clearinghouse pre-employment queries and annual limited queries are still required for all CDL drivers, including exempt drivers.
Exempt drivers can still be pulled over for DOT roadside inspections. Their time records or paper logs will be reviewed.
ELD-Exempt Carriers Still Need DQF Compliance
Short-haul carriers using the 150 air-mile ELD exemption are still fully subject to FMCSA driver qualification requirements. Your drivers still need complete DQFs, annual MVR reviews, valid medical certificates, and drug testing programs. FMCSA auditors check DQFs whether or not you use ELDs.
ELD Exemption FAQs
Which drivers are exempt from the ELD mandate?
FMCSA exemptions from the ELD mandate include: (1) Short-haul drivers who operate within a 150 air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location AND return to their reporting location within 14 hours — these drivers use time records instead of ELD; (2) Drivers of vehicles manufactured before model year 2000; (3) Drivers who use paper logs no more than 8 days in any 30-day period; (4) Drivers operating under a valid FMCSA ELD exemption (driveaway-towaway operations, certain ag commodity haulers). The short-haul 150 air-mile exemption is by far the most commonly used.
What is the 150 air-mile short-haul ELD exemption?
Under 49 CFR 395.1(e)(1), a driver qualifies for the short-haul ELD exemption if they: (1) operate within a 150 air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location; (2) return to their work reporting location within 14 consecutive hours; (3) do not drive more than 11 hours in a shift; and (4) are relieved from duty for at least 10 consecutive hours before their next shift. Drivers using this exemption must use time records (not ELD logs) and the carrier must maintain those time records for 6 months. Air miles are straight-line miles, not road miles — a 150 air-mile radius covers approximately 170–200 road miles depending on geography.
Can agricultural carriers get an ELD exemption?
Yes. Agricultural commodity haulers may qualify for an ELD exemption under the "agricultural commodity" exemption (49 CFR 395.1(k)). This exemption applies to drivers transporting agricultural commodities within 150 air miles from the source of the commodities — typically during harvest season. It also covers livestock and farm supplies. The ag exemption is time-limited (applies during planting and harvest seasons as defined by the state), and carriers must track which drivers qualify. States may have additional exemptions beyond the federal baseline.
What records must exempt drivers maintain instead of ELD?
Drivers using the short-haul 150 air-mile exemption must use time records (not hours of service logs) showing: time the driver reports for duty, time the driver is released from duty, total on-duty hours each day, and the location/location code for their starting point. These records must be retained by the carrier for 6 months. Drivers using the pre-2000 vehicle exemption or the 8-day/30-day rule must use paper logs. Important: even exempt drivers are still subject to hours of service limits — the exemption only covers the recording method (ELD vs. paper/time records), not the underlying HOS rules.
Does an ELD exemption mean a carrier doesn't need to comply with hours of service rules?
No. ELD exemptions only apply to the recording device requirement — not to hours of service (HOS) compliance. Every CDL driver operating a CMV in interstate commerce must comply with FMCSA's hours of service regulations (49 CFR Part 395) regardless of whether they use an ELD, paper logs, or time records. Short-haul exempt drivers still cannot drive more than 11 hours in a shift or more than 14 hours on duty. Violations of HOS rules (even for exempt drivers) can be cited at roadside inspections and during FMCSA Compliance Reviews.
ELD-Exempt Doesn't Mean Audit-Exempt
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