The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates ELD usage for most drivers and carriers involved in interstate commerce. Specifically, any driver who is required to maintain Record of Duty Status (RODS) under HOS rules must use an ELD. This applies to:

• Freight carriers operating vehicles weighing over 10,001 lbs.
• Passenger-carrying vehicles designed to transport more than eight passengers for compensation.
• Drivers transporting hazardous materials requiring placards.

Certain exemptions exist, such as:

• Drivers operating under a short-haul exemption.
• Vehicles manufactured before the year 2000.
• Drivers using paper logs for eight days or fewer within any 30-day period.
• Operators of vehicles involved in drive-away-tow-away operations (where the vehicle being driven is part of the shipment).