Limitations for log violations??

You just opened up a huge can of worms. I don't think there is an upper limit. However there is a minimum time limit for a carrier to keep logs on file. I doubt your going to get a clear answer.

 

Carriers are required to keep a copy of log page for 6 months.

 

If you are in any kind of serious accident, everything from your logs to your phone records will be combed over with a fine tooth comb. A dude recently got about 20 years for causing an accident that killed several people while taking a Facebook quiz. They had the FBI do forensic data analysis to determine exactly what he was doing down to the question he was answering at the time on the quiz. They also do minute by minute analysis with logs and supporting documents like gps locations and fuel receipts, tolls, calculated average speeds etc...

But if there’s not a pattern of abuse, one small 14 violation or whatever won’t be a big deal. They can’t see beyond 8 days if you don’t show them, which you aren’t required to. Unless of course they are doing an audit. Most companies will fix the logs for a minor error.

 

I think the OP is not going to get a better answer. This question reminded me of something a retired IRS auditor told me several years ago. They can go back as far as they can find records IF they find illegal activity. Not sure how this question fits in with electronic logs. I have discovered that where computers are concerned nothing gets removed.

 

The time lines are last 8 days , and 6 months.
While your rolling never show more than the last 8, I keep mine for 7 years because of IRS not DOT.
Most companies dump them at 6 months, As fr as liability, hmmm good question.

 

During a roadside, current + 7 previous days is all you have to hand over. If you give the officer more, he can look at them and cite you. During an audit at the office, you are required to have 6 months worth of logs. An auditor can look at and cite you for older logs IF the company handed them over...but 6 months is all they are required to keep. Now there a brief window of opportunity where NOBODY is required to have the logs...5 days to be exact...because you can discard your copy on the 8th day, and you have 13 days to get the company their original.

But what are the chances you'll be inspected roadside WHILE your company is being audited DURING that precise 5 day window when you actually HAVE a violation in that period? And of course elogs change that game considerably, too...instant transmittal and all.

 

Six months. Why would you keep them longer than the rule requires to give some entity the opportunity to mess with you? Like someone said 7 years for an IRS audit, but push to shove for a DOT audit, where they could cite you after the fact, six months.

 

Like said before the roadside DOT will look at any logs you give them; You are only required to keep 7days + the day you are on. So don't invite temptation.

The trucking company is required to keep 6 months of logs. Chances of the the DOT auditing your company and finding the one day you are in violation are slim to none, Unless you get in an accident or make a clear and repeated habit of violation the logs. Some of the bad lunch counter information you get in filling out your logs comes home to roost in those cases.

Now the truth is, most of the mega companies and some smaller, will keep your logs for an indefinite amount of time. They are only required to present 6 months of logs to a DOT audit. However, computer storage is cheep. You may ask why they would do that? Keep your logs for a year+ when the DOT only requires 6 months. The reason they do that, is each and every year about this time freight slows down. They have far more truck drivers then loads. And the excess of truck drivers requires more work from the desk jockeys to keep them busy. The excess truck drivers bring down the stats. that a used to evaluate the office staff. So a company will use a log violation as much as 12 months old to count against a driver on their way to firing for safety reasons. When they fire a driver for 'safety' reasons they do not have to lay drivers off and pay their unemployment.

 

Perfect answer!