log book for laptop

You have to have the ability to print the logs upon request. And also must have paper logs for backup purposes. Due to potential electronic failure.

 

I don't have a printer in my truck. I guess your saying I'm screwed.

 

Wait a minute, where is the reg because when I was at Shlumberger we had a elog device and we didn't have a printer. What's the difference between a company elog device and a tablet or laptop elog.

 

Ok before you reply I now see the difference. I guess I need some clarification on this.

 

Regarding printing, the Keep Truckin app allows logs to be electronically signed. As you can see below, the regs then allow you to hand your tablet to the officer. If they still want paper, they have to allow you the chance to provide it. I suppose they could mess with you just for fun if they want to, but the rule shows you aren't in violation if you can hand them the tablet or phone and show them logs that have been electronically signed.

From FMCSA, CFR 395.8 under the "Guidance" tab: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/395.8?guidance
Question 28: May a driver use a computer, tablet, or smartphone (that is not an Automatic On-Board Recording Device) to create, electronically sign, and store the record of duty status (RODS)?

Guidance:

Yes. A driver may make manual duty-status entries to a computer, tablet, or smartphone program that is used to generate the graph grid and entries for the record of duty status (RODS) or log book, provided the electronically-generated display (if any) and output includes the minimum information required by §395.8 and is formatted in accordance with that section. The driver must sign the RODS (manually or electronically) at the end of each 24-hour period to certify that all required entries are true and correct.

1. If electronic signatures are not used:

• The driver must print and manually sign the RODS daily.
• The driver must have in his or her possession the printed and signed RODS for the prior seven consecutive days (if required on those days).
• The driver should be given an opportunity to print and manually sign the current day’s RODS at the time of the inspection.

1. If RODS have been electronically signed:

• At the time of an inspection of records by an enforcement official, the driver may display the current and prior seven days RODS to the official on the device’s screen.
• If the enforcement official requests printed copies of the RODS, the driver must be given an opportunity to print the current and prior seven days RODS (if required on those days) at the time of inspection.

[79 FR 39343, July 10, 2014]

 

Until the officer says, "I'm not handling your device for liability reasons, print your logs out for me." And you can't.

Automatic On-Board Recorders (AOBR) do not require a printer. Laptop/tablet/smart phone logs are fine, just make sure you can print them.

 

Thank you for clarifying things for me.

 

LOL, then all you can do is shoot yourself in the head.

 

Can't you fax or email them to the officer?

Granted, I have only received Qualcomm E-logs training, still using paper logs. But we were given the procedure for faxing or e-mailing the requested log pages from the Qualcomm. We don't have printers in the trucks.

 

Different types of devices; Qualcomm, Peoplenet, etc., are Automatic On-Board Recording devices (AOBR). They are covered by FMCSA 395.15. Laptops, tablets and smartphones do not qualify as AOBRs and they are covered under FMCSA 395.8.

For devices covered under 395.8 the enforcement officer may accept copies of the driver's logs by fax or email, but they are not required to do so. If the enforcement officer requests the driver print logs under 395.8 the driver must be given the opportunity to do so, but that's hard to do with no printer. And no, the enforcement officer does not have to supply the printer.

My wireless HP printer cost about $35 at Walmart.