ELD Exemptions: Who Doesn't Need an ELD (2026)

The ELD mandate covers most commercial drivers — but there are real exemptions. Here's who genuinely doesn't need an ELD, and who just thinks they're exempt.

The main FMCSA ELD exemptions

Short-haul (150 air-mile) drivers — if you operate within a 150 air-mile radius of your work reporting location and return within 14 hours, you're exempt from the ELD and can use timecards instead.
The 8-days-in-30 rule — drivers who keep paper RODS for not more than 8 days in any 30-day period don't need an ELD.
Pre-2000 engines — trucks with an engine model year older than 2000 are exempt (it's the engine year on the plate, not the truck year).
Driveaway-towaway operations where the vehicle being driven is the commodity.
Agricultural operations have their own seasonal exemptions during planting/harvest within 150 air-miles.

Who is NOT exempt (common myths)

Being a small fleet or single owner-operator does not exempt you. Running local doesn't automatically exempt you unless you meet the short-haul rule exactly. If you regularly run beyond 150 air-miles or keep logs more than 8 days a month, you need an ELD.

If you're not exempt

You need an FMCSA-registered ELD. TruckSpot ELD runs on your phone, logs HOS automatically, and is $30/truck/month with no contract — and the short-haul exemption is built in if you qualify on some days.

Get a compliant ELD for $1 →

Frequently asked questions

Does a small fleet need an ELD?

Yes. There's no exemption based on fleet size. Exemptions are based on operation type — short-haul, pre-2000 engine, 8-days-in-30, driveaway, or agricultural.

Is my truck exempt if it's old?

Only if the ENGINE model year is before 2000 — check the engine plate, not the vehicle model year.

What is the 150 air-mile exemption?

If you operate within 150 air-miles of your reporting location and return within 14 hours, you can use timecards instead of an ELD that day.