ELD-Based CSA Reductions and How to Avoid Them
posted in Alerts by Brian Gray
As of April 1, 2018, ELD violations are now taken into account in a carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has released an updated CSA score matrix that includes CSA points for ELD-related violations.
While many violations are similar in scope to simple form and manner violations only carrying one point, there are some that are more heavily weighted. Here are 4 higher weighed ELD-related violations and how to stay compliant.
1. Operating with a device that is not registered with FMCSA.
- Section 395.22A
- Violation Severity Weight: 5
- To avoid this violation: Ensure the device you choose is listed on the FMCSA’s Registered list of ELDs. Appearing on this list is the only evidence required as to the status of the ELD. The FMCSA does not issue certificates or documentation to an ELD vendor. Geotab Cloud ELD is registered with the FMCSA.
2. The ELDs display screen cannot be viewed outside of the commercial motor vehicle.
- Section 395.20B
- Violation Severity Weight: 5
- To avoid this violation: Ensure the display of your ELD is not mounted in such a way that the screen cannot be seen from the outside of the vehicle. Tilting screens or undocking from mounts is acceptable. If using a portable device such as a phone or tablet, ensure your mount includes an option to tilt the screen towards the outside of the cab or allows the device to be removed and handled by the driver. Note that portable devices such as phones do not need to be handed to inspection officers, drivers may handle them on behave of officers instead.
3. Driver failed to assume or decline unassigned driving time.
- Section 395.32B
- Violation Severity Weight: 5
- To avoid this violation: Train drivers thoroughly on the process for correcting any unassigned driving that appears in their ELD driver interface. It is also a good idea for administrative users to be familiar with the process of managing unassigned logs within the ELD.
4. Failing to note malfunction that requires use of paper log.
- Section 395.34A1
- Violation Severity Weight: 5
- To avoid this violation: All drivers need to:
- have a guide on ELD diagnostics and malfunctions (available from the ELD manufacturer), and
- provide written notice to the carrier when a malfunction exists and persists such that the driver needs to switch to paper logs. It is recommended that a copy of this communication be kept in the cab with the driver in addition to being sent to the carrier.
04
Jun, 18
0 comment
