FMCSA Just Yanked Some ELDs — Is Yours Next?

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Intro: When Your ELD Gets Kicked Off the Team

Imagine waking up, climbing into your cab, firing up your ELD like usual — and BOOM — red alert. Your device isn’t recognized anymore.

That’s the reality for some truckers and fleet operators after the FMCSA removed multiple ELDs from its official list, saying they no longer meet the regulatory standards.

And if you're thinking, “That won’t happen to mine…” — buckle up. This might just be the start of something bigger.

What Happened: The Digital Axe Fell

Here’s the short version:

FMCSA keeps a list of approved ELDs that are certified to meet federal hours-of-service (HOS) tracking rules

Some devices failed audits or didn’t keep up with required updates

The FMCSA officially revoked their approved status, telling users they must replace them ASAP

Carriers using these removed devices are now at risk of violations, fines, and audits

Translation: If your device got the boot and you didn’t swap it out fast, you're technically running without an ELD — and that can mean trouble.

Why Devices Get Removed

The FMCSA isn’t just out here swinging for fun. Devices get delisted for reasons like:

Failure to transmit logs properly to law enforcement

Missing key compliance features (like automatic on-duty detection)

Poor cybersecurity or data handling

Vendors ghosting regulators when it’s time for audits or support

Basically, if your ELD can’t do what the rules require, it’s outta here.

The Hidden Risk: Cheap ELD Vendors

A lotta small carriers jumped on low-cost ELD options when the mandate hit, and who could blame ‘em? Prices were wild.

But here’s the trap:

Some vendors never fully complied in the first place

Others cut corners to stay cheap

And some just stopped supporting their products

The FMCSA is starting to crack down. That means if you went with a "bargain basement ELD", it might be next.

How This Affects Drivers & Fleets

If your ELD got removed and you didn’t replace it:

You’re not compliant, period

You could face fines, citations, and get placed out of service

You risk ruining your CSA score — one bad inspection at a weigh station and boom, flagged carrier status

For drivers? It means you might be driving with a non-functioning logbook — and that’s like hauling freight blindfolded.

Multiple Viewpoints You Won’t Hear on TV

👨‍🔧 Drivers say:

“We just want something that works. Don’t make us switch every six months.”

💼 Fleet owners say:

“We invested thousands in hardware and training — now it’s obsolete?”

🧑‍⚖️ Regulators say:

“It’s about safety, consistency, and accountability. If your vendor can’t deliver, that’s on them.”

😬 Vendors say (if they’re still around):

crickets

The tension here is real. Drivers and fleets are stuck in the middle — caught between compliance demands and unreliable tech.

What You Should Do Now

If your ELD is still on the FMCSA’s approved list, breathe easy — but don’t sleep on it.

✅ Check the official FMCSA list (they update it often): https://eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/List

✅ Verify with your vendor — ask: “Are we 100% compliant TODAY?”
✅ Have a backup plan — keep paper logs handy just in case
✅ Avoid no-name vendors moving forward — go with someone who’s been through a few audits and lived to tell the tale

Bottom Line: ELDs Are Required — But Not All Are Equal

The FMCSA is showing it’s serious about tech compliance, and that means your ELD isn’t a “set it and forget it” device.

If your vendor drops the ball, you’re the one holding the fine. Stay sharp, stay current, and make sure your device can go the distance — not just meet the mandate.

📣 Call to Action: Don’t Let Tech Sink Your Truck

Still using outdated gear? Wondering if your tools — or your income — are future-proof?

👉 Head over to LifeAsATrucker.com
for tools, training, and real advice from folks who’ve lived it.
👉 Want to build an off-duty income and use AI tools that actually help you escape the rat race?
Check out RetireFromTrucking.com

Because staying compliant is one thing — but staying free is the real mission.