Am I exempt from the ELD mandate

The VIN was the original way to tell. Then FMCSA put out a new guidance that specifies Engine Model Year (note, not engine build date)
Mark already posted the current guidance. And as Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), is for the truck, not the powertrain. Gliders come to mind....

 

So how to find out the engine model year? Get a printout from manufacturer?

 

I have a glider with a 60 series in it. On the drivers side of my valve cover there are 3 tags (mine was factory reman'd) The tag further forward says the engine serial number, hp setting and such as well as the reman date of 10/14. Mine is DDEC 4. The tag further to the rear has all the legal emissions compliant garb for model year 2001 engines.. Mine is not exempt. Originally milled in '01. Take a look, yours may have been an in house reman and may not have the stickers....

 

Of what I understand, most have an EPA model year sticker. If it does not, I'm sure the dealership can tell you. Get a print out from them and put it in your permit book would be my guess.