Canada ELD compliance rules and regulations: Know the specifications

Commercial trucking fleets operating in Canada must use a certified ELD.¹

Here is what you need to know.

The benefits of ELDs

ELDs make it easier and faster to accurately track Hours of Service (HOS). As a result, fleets and drivers can realize several benefits:¹

Regulatory Compliance:

• ELDs help drivers and carriers adhere to Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, helping to avoid fines and penalties associated with non-compliance.

Improved Accuracy:

• ELDs automatically record driving time, rest periods, and other data, minimizing errors and inaccuracies.

Enhanced Safety:

• ELDs help in managing fatigue and ensuring drivers are operating within safe limits. When combined with driver facing cameras they can identify drowsiness and distracted behavior.

Operational Efficiency:

• ELDs offer features like real-time tracking and reporting, which can streamline fleet management, optimize journeys, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Considerations and specifications for ELDs in Canada

Fleets and commercial drivers are required to use ELDs that have been tested and certified by an accredited certification body that has followed the criteria in the most recent version of the standard and the regulations, to ensure ELD manufacturers meet the proper restrictions set forth by the Canadian government.¹ 

In addition, here are other considerations fleet managers should keep in mind about the use and operation of ELDs:²

• United States-compliant doesn’t mean Canada-compliant. While requirements in the Canadian ELD Standard are aligned with those of the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for interoperability, the Canadian ELD Standard includes additional requirements to comply with current HOS Regulations in Canada.
• An ELD must automatically switch to driving status once the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is moving up to a set speed threshold of eight kilometers per hour (4.97 miles per hour).
• A driver may use a portable device, smartphone or other wireless device if the device meets ELD technical specifications. A portable ELD must be mounted in a fixed position during CMV operation and visible to the driver from a normal seated driving position.
• A motor carrier must assign only one ELD driver account for each of its drivers required to use an ELD.
• During a roadside inspection, a safety official will use the ELD’s display screen or printout to review the driver’s Records of Duty Status (RODS) and verify compliance with the Canadian HOS regulations.

It's also important to note that some vehicles may be exempt from the rule. According to the Canada Gazette, commercial vehicles are exempt from needing ELDs if they:

• Operate under a specific permit issued
• Have a statutory exemption
• Are subject to a rental agreement with terms under 30 days
• Operate a vehicle that was manufactured before 2000

Download our fleet vehicle compliance management guide to learn more about fleet compliance management as well as common mandates and requirements.

Additional noteworthy ELD points

Canadian fleets should note the following points when using ELDs: 

• Drivers who “pick up” incorrect unassigned driving time can “put it back”
• Drivers who have used up their 75 kilometers personal use allowance are switched to on-duty
• The ELD must warn drivers about approaching HOS violations
• The ELD must detect when a driver crosses the 60th parallel North and changes their operating zone to Canada North or Canada South. The ELD must also detect border crossings between the US and Canada.
• In Canada, drivers can defer up to 2 hours of off-duty time to the next day.

Common ELD questions

When is location data recorded by an ELD?

• Location data must be recorded by an ELD at 60-minute intervals when the vehicle is in motion, and when the driver powers up and shuts down the engine, changes duty status and operating jurisdiction, and indicates personal use or yard moves. HOS event locations are displayed as the location’s distance, in kilometers, to the nearest significant city or town. Location data is not recorded during personal use of a CMV.

How are driver logs shared during a roadside inspection?

• Inspector mode is available in both English and French and shows 15 days of historic data. Either the inspector or the driver can send the driver's log to the Canadian safety official's email address.

Finding the right telematics ELD solution 

Choosing the right telematics ELD solution is crucial because it can significantly impact fleet productivity, safety, and compliance. A reliable ELD solution should be user-friendly, provide accurate and real-time data, allow for easy integration with other systems, and comply with industry standards. Additionally, the right ELD solution can help reduce operational costs, enhance driver performance, and streamline fleet management. Therefore, fleet managers and trucking companies should carefully evaluate their options and select the ELD solution that best fits their needs to simplify compliance with HOS regulations, boost safety, and increase efficiency.

¹https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/electronic-logging-devices/electronic-logging-devices-what-you-need-know

²https://www.ccmta.ca/en/eld-faq