If the ELD malfunctions after a lunch stop, what should you do to stay compliant?

If the ELD malfunctions after a lunch stop, what should you do to stay compliant?

• A. You need to manually log the current day and reconstruct the previous seven days.
• B. You need to begin manually logging your day from that point forward and for the next seven days.
• C. Nothing; a malfunctioning logging device is a valid excuse for not having records available during an inspection.
• D. Nothing; you can avoid being in violation if you request your company send the records at the time of inspection.

Answer: (A)

When an ELD malfunctions, you must keep a compliant log using a back-up method and ensure the record covers the current day plus the prior period needed for review. Log the current day by hand and reconstruct the previous seven days’ duty status and hours on paper. This creates a complete, auditable record for inspection and shows you were tracking your hours even without the electronic device. This is why starting to log only from the point of failure or relying on someone else to provide records doesn’t meet the requirement. A malfunction isn’t an exemption from recording duties, and you can’t rely on someone else to supply the records during an inspection. The intent is to have an accurate week-long record, so you must document the current day and reconstruct the prior seven days, then have the ELD repaired or replaced and transition back as required.

When an ELD malfunctions, you must keep a compliant log using a back-up method and ensure the record covers the current day plus the prior period needed for review. Log the current day by hand and reconstruct the previous seven days’ duty status and hours on paper. This creates a complete, auditable record for inspection and shows you were tracking your hours even without the electronic device.

This is why starting to log only from the point of failure or relying on someone else to provide records doesn’t meet the requirement. A malfunction isn’t an exemption from recording duties, and you can’t rely on someone else to supply the records during an inspection. The intent is to have an accurate week-long record, so you must document the current day and reconstruct the prior seven days, then have the ELD repaired or replaced and transition back as required.