Understanding Logs, ELDs, and HOS: Complete Guide

For commercial drivers, staying compliant isn’t just about driving safely—it’s also about documenting hours accurately. Regulations around driver activity, rest periods, and logging practices are at the core of what keeps the industry running legally and safely.

Three terms that every driver must understand early on are logs, ELDs, and HOS. These aren’t just technicalities—they affect how long you can drive, when you have to stop, and how your performance is tracked.

 

What Are HOS Regulations?

HOS stands for Hours of Service, a set of federal rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to prevent driver fatigue. These rules govern how long drivers can be on duty, how many hours they can spend behind the wheel, and when rest breaks are required.

For most property-carrying drivers, the basic guidelines include:

  • A maximum of 11 driving hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty 
  • A 14-hour window to complete all driving and on-duty time 
  • A 30-minute break required after 8 hours of driving 
  • A 60/70-hour limit over 7 or 8 consecutive days (depending on company schedule) 

There are exceptions, such as for short-haul drivers or adverse driving conditions, but the core idea remains: drivers must manage their time to avoid working while fatigued.

 

What Is an ELD?

An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a piece of technology that automatically records a driver’s hours behind the wheel. ELDs sync with a truck’s engine to log when the vehicle is in motion, ensuring that drive time is accurately and consistently recorded.

Since the ELD mandate took effect in December 2017, most drivers who were previously using paper logs have been required to switch to an electronic system. The goal is to create standardized reporting, improve safety, and reduce the chances of falsifying records.

ELDs track key data such as:

  • Driving hours 
  • On-duty vs. off-duty status 
  • Vehicle location 
  • Miles driven 
  • Engine hours 

Drivers can view their data through a connected display, while fleet managers can access reports and compliance summaries through a central dashboard.

 

How Logs and ELDs Work Together

Logs—whether paper or digital—are the official record of a driver’s activity. With ELDs in place, most drivers no longer have to manually enter every detail, but they still need to understand how their time is being tracked.

Drivers are responsible for making sure logs are accurate, current, and available for inspection at weigh stations or during roadside checks. They also need to know how to annotate records if there’s an error or if something unusual occurs (like a breakdown or adverse weather delay).

Even with automation, drivers must confirm their records each day and certify that they are correct.

 

Why It Matters

Mismanaging logs or ignoring HOS rules can lead to serious consequences—both for drivers and the companies they work for. Violations can result in fines, audits, or being placed out of service. More importantly, the purpose behind these rules is safety. Driving fatigued is one of the leading causes of preventable accidents in the trucking industry.

For new drivers especially, taking the time to understand how your hours are counted and how your logs are reviewed is crucial. It’s not just a regulatory hoop to jump through—it’s a routine that will shape your day-to-day life on the road.

 

Final Thoughts

Logs, ELDs, and HOS might seem like bureaucratic hurdles at first, but they’re fundamental to a successful career in commercial driving. From preventing fatigue to avoiding compliance violations, these systems are designed to keep both drivers and the public safe.

By learning how your time is tracked, what the rules mean, and how to manage your daily hours, you set yourself up for fewer surprises, smoother inspections, and more control over your schedule.