Staying compliant has never been more critical for fleet operators. As we near the last few months of 2025, regulatory scrutiny is only increasing, and non-compliance with Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandates or hours-of-service (HOS) rules can result in fines of up to $16,000 per violation, according to the FMCSA. For fleets, this isn’t just a number on paper—it’s a financial and reputational risk that can really hurt your business.
At CameraMatics, we understand the pressure fleet managers face in balancing compliance, safety, and efficiency. That’s why, in partnership with Geotab, we provide technology that delivers accurate ELD logging, ensures FMCSA compliance, and reduces audit risks.
What is ELD compliance
If you manage a fleet of vehicles in the US and haven’t heard of ELD compliance yet… you might want to catch up, and fast.
Simply put, ELD compliance means meeting the FMCSA requirement that most commercial drivers use an electronic logging device for trucks to automatically record a driver’s record of duty status (RODS), capturing driving hours, breaks, and rest periods. The purpose is simple: keep drivers within legal hours-of-service limits, prevent fatigue, and improve road safety.
In practice, ELD compliance involves several key steps. Fleets must use FMCSA-certified ELD devices, ensure drivers are accurately logging their hours, retain logs for the required duration, make them easily accessible during inspections, and train both drivers and back-office staff on proper use. Skipping even one of these requirements can put a fleet at risk of penalties or disqualification.
ELD compliance legal risks for fleet operators
For fleet operators, the risks of non-compliance go far beyond fines. Civil penalties can be significant, with the FMCSA imposing thousands of dollars per violation. Compliance audits are becoming more frequent, and a failed audit can result in restrictions or even loss of operating authority.
Legal exposure is another concern. In the event of a collision, non-compliance with ELD or HOS rules may be used as evidence of negligence, increasing liability for both the operator and the business.
Beyond the financial and legal implications, failing to comply can damage relationships with insurers, regulators, and customers who expect professionalism and safety. The cost of cutting corners is simply too high.
Understanding ELD exemptions
It’s important to note that not every vehicle or driver falls under the ELD mandate.
The FMCSA has defined specific ELD exemptions, which include drivers who use paper RODS for eight or fewer days in any 30-day period, vehicles manufactured before the year 2000, short-haul drivers who meet time and distance limits under the short-haul exemption, and driveaway-towaway operations where the vehicle driven is the commodity.
However, exemptions are the exception rather than the rule. Many operators assume they qualify when they don’t, which can create compliance gaps. Reviewing FMCSA rules regularly and confirming whether exemptions apply is an essential part of avoiding missteps.
While these federal exemptions cover most drivers nationwide, it’s also important to consider state-specific requirements. California, for example, has its own intrastate ELD regulations that build on the federal mandate and introduce additional nuances that fleets operating within the state must follow.
ELD standards for California
In addition to the federal FMCSA ELD mandate, California has its own intrastate ELD requirements for drivers operating solely within state lines. This intrastate mandate took effect on January 1, 2024 and requires commercial drivers to use electronic logging devices instead of paper logs to record their hours-of-service.
California ELD standards build on federal standards, meaning ELD devices must still be FMCSA-certified, but the state adds a few nuances. For example, short-haul intrastate drivers may qualify for a 100‑air‑mile radius exemption, and certain operations allow up to 12 hours of on-duty time in specific situations. California also specifies how electronic logs must be transferred and stored, ensuring data is accessible for inspections and audits.
It’s important to note that while the intrastate mandate modifies some operational details, the underlying Hours-of-Service limits largely align with federal regulations. Reviewing ELD standards California ensures your fleet avoids state-specific penalties while staying compliant across all jurisdictions.
How CameraMatics and Geotab simplify compliance
Managing ELD compliance may seem complex, but the right tools make it straightforward. CameraMatics, in partnership with Geotab, offers solutions designed to remove the stress of manual processes and reduce legal risks.
Geotab’s FMCSA-approved ELD devices ensure accurate, automated logging of records of duty status. These logs are audit-ready and easily accessible during inspections, helping drivers and managers avoid delays. Real-time alerts notify managers before drivers approach HOS limits, preventing violations before they occur.
By integrating this data with CameraMatics’ proactive fleet safety solutions, fleets gain a complete view of compliance and performance. The combination of compliance technology and safety intelligence creates a powerful toolset for protecting drivers and keeping fleets on the road.
A proactive action plan for ELD compliance in 2026 and beyond
As we move into 2026, fleet operators must remain vigilant about regulatory changes. The FMCSA has several potential rule revisions on the horizon, including changes to ELD certification and exemptions for pre-2000 engines. This proactive action plan highlights the most critical areas to focus on to ensure your fleet is prepared for upcoming audits and potential regulatory updates.
- Verify certified ELD devices
Ensure all trucks are equipped with FMCSA-approved ELDs, including devices that meet state-specific standards such as California’s. Certified devices reduce errors, automatically track hours-of-service, and provide audit-ready records. This is especially important as the FMCSA has been actively removing non-compliant devices from its registry.
- Automate audit-ready reporting
Leverage automated reporting tools to review drivers’ records of duty status (RODS) and hours-of-service logs before inspections. This reduces human error, ensures consistency, and provides instant documentation during FMCSA audits. - Refresh driver and staff training
Provide targeted training on HOS rules, proper ELD use, and record-keeping best practices. Even short refresher sessions can prevent violations and improve overall compliance culture. - Integrate compliance with safety monitoring
Combine ELD data with fleet safety and management systems for a full view of driver behavior, route adherence, and compliance trends. Integrated systems help identify risks before they escalate. - Review exemptions carefully
Confirm whether any drivers qualify for ELD exemptions and ensure all requirements are fully met. Misunderstanding exemptions is a common source of violations. Watch for potential changes to exemptions for pre-2000 engines, a topic the FMCSA is expected to address in 2026. - Secure and back up compliance data
Maintain digital records securely and ensure backups are in place. Data integrity is essential for audits and protecting your fleet in case of disputes or investigations.
Following this plan ensures fleets are not only compliant today but also well-prepared for regulatory updates in 2026. It turns compliance from a reactive obligation into a proactive operational advantage, giving managers confidence and drivers peace of mind.
Compliance matters more than ever
Compliance with ELD mandates isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a cornerstone of safe, efficient, and professional fleet operations.
With enforcement and penalties on the rise, fleets that treat compliance as an integral part of daily operations not only avoid costly violations but also protect their drivers, strengthen customer trust, and safeguard their reputation.
Leveraging the right technology can make all the difference. Modern solutions provide automated, accurate, and audit-ready records of duty status, alert managers before hours-of-service limits are reached, and prevent potential violations before they occur.
These insights allow teams to focus on growth and performance rather than constantly reacting to compliance issues. Done right, ELD compliance doesn’t have to be a burden—it empowers fleets, keeps drivers safe, and makes operations smoother and more efficient.
Smart compliance, safer roads, better business. Get started today.
