AOBRDS Can No Longer Be Legally Installed

Now that the FMCSA ELD mandate deadline is here, there are a number of questions swirling about the new rules for AOBRDs (automatic on-board recording devices). The FMCSA has said that drivers using AOBRDs will be grandfathered in under the new rules, but there is a deadline.

The New Rules for AOBRDs

According to the FMCSA, “To be grandfathered, an AOBRD must be installed in a CMV prior to December 18, 2017. If a grandfathered AOBRD subsequently becomes inoperable, then that AOBRD must be replaced by an ELD.”

However, even the grandfather rule will only get you so far. According to the FMCSA ELD Mandate clause 395.8, if your AOBRD is grandfathered in, you will only be HOS compliant until December 16, 2019. At that time, you will be required to switch to an ELD to record HOS (hours of service).

The Difference between AOBRD and ELD

A main issue with the whole ELD mandate is that carriers and drivers don’t understand the difference between AOBRD and ELD. To the driver, the two systems are extremely similar. However, the most important difference is the ability to edit drive time, which is not allowed on ELDs. Drivers and carriers will be required to learn new systems and manage drive time to adhere to the ELD system requirements.

Whether you are in favor of ELDs or against them, the reality is that there is no way to avoid compliance. If you’re running AOBRDs, you will have to make the switch to ELDs by the end of 2019 at the latest. Why put it off? ELDs are safer and more cost-effective than AOBRDs or paper logs. ELDs also offer features such as navigation, and (in the case of the My20 ELD) dynamic load matching opportunities through GoLoad.

For $20 per month, you can become ELD compliant, and start taking advantage of the many features and services offered by the My20 ELD.