FMCSA to tighten ELD self-certification process

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has announced a significant shift in how it evaluates and approves Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), marking the most substantial change to the approval process since the ELD mandate first took effect. While the agency continues to stop short of a full third-party certification program—similar to the one now used in Canada—its move toward a more structured, hands-on vetting approach signals a notable evolution in federal oversight of the ELD marketplace. For fleets that have endured years of uncertainty caused by self-certified but non-compliant devices, this change is welcomed.

A Brief History of ELD Self-Certification

Since the rollout of the ELD mandate in 2017, FMCSA has relied on a self-certification model that allows vendors to attest that their devices meet the technical specifications in the rule (49 CFR Part 395, App. A). After submitting their attestation and required documents, vendors are added to FMCSA’s “registered” ELD list. Notably, FMCSA has not historically tested the devices, validated the software, inspected the hardware, or otherwise verified the vendors’ claims before listing them.

This approach produced the rapid market growth FMCSA had hoped for, but it also created predictable and widespread problems. Many devices that entered the market under the self-certified model later proved to be unreliable, incomplete, or outright non-compliant. Some failed to record changes in duty status correctly; others routinely malfunctioned during data transfers; still others allowed inappropriate log edits or contained technical loopholes that undermined the purpose of the rule. And all of this was discovered only after fleets had invested in the devices and deployed them across their operations.

When FMCSA eventually revoked these deficient models, carriers found themselves scrambling to replace devices with little warning. In some cases, manufacturers attempted to re-apply under new names or branding, exploiting the gaps inherent in the self-certification framework.

This instability has eroded confidence in the official registered-ELD list and places many fleets in a precarious position.

A Shift Towards Accountability

Against this backdrop, FMCSA’s newly announced approach seems to be a step in the right direction. Under the updated system, every new ELD application will undergo an initial review in which FMCSA will evaluate technical documentation, verify the legitimacy of contact information, examine device images, and check the submission against other records—including previously revoked devices. Applications will no longer flow straight from self-certification to public listing. Instead, they will be assigned one of several statuses, including “approved,” “information requested,” “further review,” or “denied.”

While the agency has yet to share the specific details of how this revised system will actually function, it seems the shift will at least serve as a basic gatekeeping function for nefarious actors. While the agency still is not conducting independent laboratory tests or validating devices in real-world settings, it is at least injecting a level of scrutiny that should prevent some of the most problematic devices from ever making it to the marketplace.

By strengthening our review process for ELDs, we are ensuring the industry can rely on trusted equipment and that hardworking drivers are prioritizing their health and well-being, so they are best prepared to keep driving America’s economy forward…” Derek Barrs, FMCSA Administrator

The agency has framed the change as part of a broader safety initiative, emphasizing the need to ensure that ELDs used by carriers are reliable, accurate, and genuinely compliant with federal hours of service rules. For fleets that have been burdened by sudden ELD revocations, the new approach may reduce the risk of repeated disruptions.

A Move Towards Third-Party Certification?

To understand the significance of FMCSA’s announcement, it’s helpful to compare it to the system used in Canada, where ELDs have been subject to mandatory third-party certification since 2021. Under the Canadian model, ELDs cannot be sold or deployed unless they have been independently tested and certified by an agency accredited by Transport Canada.

This means every approved Canadian ELD has undergone rigorous evaluation—hardware inspection, software testing, data-integrity reviews, tamper-prevention assessments, and compliance validation. There is no self-certification. There is no attestation of “trust me.” Every device manufacturer must prove their solution works as required.

For many in the U.S., Canada’s system may seem like the correct approach. It ensures consistency, reliability, and a clear enforcement path. Fleets know that if a device appears on Canada’s approved list, it has been thoroughly vetted by independent experts. That is a level of certainty the U.S. system has never offered. That said, it necessarily limits the market of available devices, which can have downstream pricing impacts.

FMCSA’s announcement moves U.S. ELD certification in the direction of increased oversight, but it does not bring the U.S. in line with Canada’s third-party model quite yet. American ELDs still will not undergo independent lab testing or formal certification. Instead, FMCSA is enhancing the front-end review to catch obvious deficiencies, inconsistencies, or attempts to re-register previously problematic devices.

What This Means for Fleets

For U.S. fleets, the impact of FMCSA’s change will depend on how rigorously the agency applies its new process. If executed well, the updated vetting system should reduce the number of questionable devices that make it onto the approved list and lower the likelihood of sudden revocations. That said, many fleets that have already adopted more well-established and well-regarded brands are unlikely to see any impacts.

At minimum, the new vetting system could place pressure on manufacturers to improve product quality, documentation, and technical transparency. Vendors who previously relied on minimal paperwork and broad self-attestation may find themselves forced to meet a higher standard.

Still, fleets should recognize that the ELD marketplace in the U.S. is not yet entering a Canadian-style certification environment. Manufacturers continue to self-certify that their devices comply with the rule. FMCSA’s involvement remains procedural rather than technical. For that reason, carriers must continue to approach ELD selection with informed caution.

About Trucksafe Consulting, LLC: Trucksafe Consulting is a full-service DOT regulatory compliance consulting and training service. We help carriers develop, implement, and improve their safety programs, through personalized services, industry-leading training, and a library of educational content. Trucksafe also hosts a livestream podcast on its various social media channels called Trucksafe LIVE! to discuss hot-button issues impacting highway transportation. Trucksafe is owned and operated by Brandon Wiseman and Jerad Childress, transportation attorneys who've assisted some of the nation’s leading fleets to develop and maintain cutting-edge safety programs. You can learn more about Trucksafe online at www.trucksafe.com and by following Trucksafe on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Or subscribe to Trucksafe's newsletter for the latest highway transportation news & analysis. Also, be sure to check out eRegs, the first app-based digital version of the federal safety regulations aimed at helping carriers and drivers better understand and comply with the regulations.