The California intrastate ELD countdown is on.

What is the California intrastate ELD mandate?

California intrastate commercial drivers are currently required to record their hours of service (HoS). However, they’re allowed to use paper logs instead of the electronic logging devices (ELDs) that the FMCSA requires interstate commercial drivers to use.

California is aligning with the FMCSA’s ELD mandate and will require its intrastate commercial drivers to use ELDs instead of paper logs. Enforcement is scheduled to start January 01, 2024. Will you be ready?

Why is California making this change?

California is the last state to adopt an ELD mandate for its intrastate commercial drivers.

According to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Notice of Proposed Regulation, “The actions will enhance the safe operation of motor vehicles and increase the competitiveness of California carriers by eliminating or modifying, to the extent possible, regulations which conflict with updated federal regulations, reducing negative impacts on businesses. This rulemaking will also allow the CHP to remain consistent with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) adopted by the United States Department of Transportation, and addresses inconsistencies and incompatibilities between state and federal regulations.”

How are the California and FMCSA ELD mandates different?

For the most part, the California ELD regulations align with the FMCSA’s ELD mandate. However, there are differences that carriers and drivers traveling through California need to know to avoid violations.

FMCSA ELD mandate	California ELD mandate
Exempts drivers from needing to use an ELD if their movements are within a 150 air-mile radius of the base of their operations. Maximum number of hours worked is 14 hours.	Uses a 100 air-mile radius and a 12-hour limit. Maximum duty period is 12 hours.
Mandatory 30-minute rest break after 8 hours of driving. Non-exempt drivers may only drive 11 of the 14 hours.	No 30-minute rest break requirement. Non-exempt drivers may drive 12 hours of the 16 hours on-duty for trucks. 15 hours for bus operators.
May extend duty period up to 2 hours. (16-hour exemption. Can be invoked once in each 34-hour reset cycle.)	May extend driving period up to 2 hours, but not the duty period.

FMCSA ELD mandate

California ELD mandate

Exempts drivers from needing to use an ELD if their movements are within a 150 air-mile radius of the base of their operations.

Maximum number of hours worked is 14 hours.

Uses a 100 air-mile radius and a 12-hour limit.

Maximum duty period is 12 hours.

Mandatory 30-minute rest break after 8 hours of driving.

Non-exempt drivers may only drive 11 of the 14 hours.

No 30-minute rest break requirement.

Non-exempt drivers may drive 12 hours of the 16 hours on-duty for trucks. 15 hours for bus operators.

May extend duty period up to 2 hours.

(16-hour exemption. Can be invoked once in each 34-hour reset cycle.)

May extend driving period up to 2 hours, but not the duty period.

What are some exemptions under the California ELD mandates?

Not every fleet, truck, driver or trip will be subject to California’s ELD mandate.

Drivers operating a CMV driveway towaway operation.
Drivers operating a CMV to transport a motor vehicle, or an empty or unladen vehicle.
Drivers operating a CMV manufactured before model year 2000, or a CMV manufactured in model year 2000 (or newer) but with an engine replacement predating model year 2000.
Drivers not operating a CMV more than 8 days in a 30-day period.

What are some common ELD-related roadside issues to prevent?

Know today’s most common roadside violations so you can prepare your fleet to avoid as many as possible.

Vehicle is required to have an ELD but doesn’t.
ELD can’t be viewed from outside the vehicle.
Driver is operating a vehicle with a malfunctioning ELD for more than 8 days.
Driver failed to note malfunction of ELD and notify carrier in writing within 24 hours.
Driver doesn’t know how to transfer ELD data to the FMCSA Web Service. (California only accepts the telematic method of transfer.)
Driver doesn’t have blank logbook pages in case of a malfunction or instructions for operating the ELD.
Driver failed to present ELD cab card to enforcement.
Driver failed to certify the accuracy of the information gathered by the ELD.
Driver failed to manually add shipping document number.

Zonar can help your fleet avoid ELD violations.

Given the California’s sizable geography and volume of intrastate commercial vehicles, having this sector of the industry move exclusively to ELDs is an undertaking. Implementing ELDs and training drivers to use it properly takes time, which makes choosing the right provider with the right technology important—the earlier the better. Drivers and fleet managers need time to familiarize themselves with the solution so they can avoid simple violations.

Zonar Logs™, our proven ELD solution, already supports the California Intrastate ruleset today to help California fleets transition and comply with the state’s new ELD mandate as quickly as possible. Plus, our dedicated, in-house team of safety and compliance experts know the ins and outs of this new regulation. Work with them to determine next steps for ensuring your fleet complies. Schedule your complimentary consultation.

Also speak with them about complying with California’s new Clean Truck Check program, which will start being enforced in January 2024 as well. While you’re at it, see which Zonar vehicle health solutions are ideal for maintaining peak, efficient operating condition.