Do You Need an ELD? The Short-Haul Exemption Explained
A commercial driver required to keep records of duty status generally needs an electronic logging device (ELD) — but drivers who stay within a 150 air-mile radius and return within 14 hours qualify for the short-haul exemption and can use simple time records instead (49 CFR 395.1(e)). Many local limo drivers qualify.
Who needs an ELD?
A CDL driver operating a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce who must keep records of duty status has to use a compliant ELD (49 CFR 395.8). The device automatically records driving time — replacing paper logs.
What is the short-haul exemption?
Under 49 CFR 395.1(e), a driver who operates within a 150 air-mile radius of the reporting location, starts and returns to the same place within 14 hours, and stays within the driving limits is exempt from records of duty status — and therefore from the ELD requirement. They keep basic time records instead.
Do limo and charter drivers need an ELD?
It depends on how they run. A local chauffeur doing prearranged trips around one metro almost always falls under the short-haul exemption. A charter driver on a multi-day, cross-state run generally does need an ELD. The line is the 150 air-mile / 14-hour test, not the vehicle.
Common questions
Do limo drivers need an electronic logging device (ELD)?
Only if they're required to keep records of duty status. Drivers who stay within a 150 air-mile radius of their reporting location and return within 14 hours qualify for the short-haul exemption (49 CFR 395.1(e)) and can use simple time records instead of an ELD. Many local chauffeured drivers qualify; long-distance charter runs generally need an ELD.
What is the short-haul exemption?
A driver who operates within a 150 air-mile radius, starts and returns to the same location within 14 hours, and doesn't exceed the driving limits is exempt from keeping records of duty status and from the ELD requirement — they keep basic time records instead (49 CFR 395.1(e)).
Who does need an ELD?
A CDL driver operating a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce who is required to keep records of duty status — typically longer-distance drivers who fall outside the short-haul exemption — must use a compliant ELD under 49 CFR 395.8.
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