How will DOT know if I have ELD or not?

What electronic logging device (ELD) user documentation must be onboard a driver’s commercial motor vehicle?
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Beginning on December 18, 2017, a driver using an ELD must have an ELD information packet onboard the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) containing the following items:

1. A user’s manual for the driver describing how to operate the ELD;
2. An instruction sheet describing the data transfer mechanisms supported by the ELD and step-by-step instructions to produce and transfer the driver’s hours-of-service records to an authorized safety official;
3. An instruction sheet for the driver describing ELD malfunction reporting requirements and recordkeeping procedures during ELD malfunctions; and
4. A supply of blank driver’s records of duty status (RODS) graph-grids sufficient to record the driver’s duty status and other related information for a minimum of 8 days.

 

I think most CMV cops have a pretty good idea who has been on eLogs for a long time, and who probably hasn't

 

I believe he would be able to tell, because the ECM provides information that is outputted to the compliance report, which if missing, is a dead giveaway that it is not connected to the truck's ECM.

 

They can ask for proof that it is connected up. Showing an active Bluetooth connection to the device might suffice, also The behavior is different if it is connected. If the device is not connected they could fine you.

 

The last inspections I've had, it's been when I open the door and he looks in the cab and goes " Oh, I see you're on e log."

You better have the card that tells the occifer how operate / download your logs for whatever unit you have, or that's a violation. Mine came with two.

 

So you show them an ELD box fixed to the dashboard, bunch of cables hanging from the ECM box and Elogs on you your phone...but in fact these are fully editable logs, just like paper logs.

Could someone get away for a while with that sham, pretending to be on elogs? Will they all know or care how to detect the deception right away, starting 12/18? But no, I don't think it is a good idea, though - too naive.

 

I looked at the instruction card for my ELD, it tells the officer how to determine at a glance whether or not the device is properly connected. Might be difficult to hide a disconnected device status.

 

I'm waiting for Trunk Monkey to release their CMV/DOT upgrade.

 

Hell, I could get away with claiming "exempt" and showing TODAY's paper log and nothing more. Left this morning for a rare excursion outside of the 100 air-mile radius. Don't have logs for the previous 7 because I was exempt under the 100 air-mile exception. Hard to argue otherwise when I'm in a day cab and every piece of paperwork I have in the truck supports my claim.

Even if I am running an ELD, I'll probably claim "exempt" status whenever possible just because I can. Just because I'm not required to run it doesn't mean I can't, and if the regs say I don't HAVE to have something, why would I hand it over?