Question about signing the log at the end,

While it doesn't say 'when' you must sign it... only that it must be signed at the end of the day.

One might consider this:

If you sign it, it becomes a legal document and this MUST be correct at that time. If it is not signed, DOT finds something that is not correct. pictures can/could be taken after a citation was written, with the defense that there was an error or mistake and it wasn't signed at the time... so there was nothing binding it to be correct at that time.

Never argue with a DOT officer about this: Just take the ticket... take pictures of the unsigned log with ticket in frame.... then correct the log initial and take more pictures... then, go to court.

Just something to think about

 

shredfit1, but even if signed, mistakes are made all the time. Doesn't mean it can't be redacted later.

I mean, the IRS even allows you to amend a tax return and they're probably the most anal government agency out there.

Part of driving is having a record of duty-status on hand updated to the last change of status. Signed or not, that is your status. It's part of your requirement to drive a big vehicle across state lines. Just like mandatory consent to alcohol/drug testing. It's just part of the requirement. You know going in.

Also, it is a legal document from the moment you start writing it. otherwise, you have no record of status for the day and are then driving illegally. Admitting an error is better than admitting a cover-up.

 

Well, sort of... it's a legal document in the LEO's eyes... However, what an LEO sees as law, and what 'REAL' law is are many times different... in a court of law.

What I'm saying is that if you do not sign it... have a problem that could be corrected... as your NOT saying that all entries are correct BY signing it... and could prove it in court... It would greatly help your defense of the clerical error... Obviously, this wouldn't work if your out of hours etc. etc. But is could work for some issues.

Just sayin'

 

On the Xata version when you log out the screen shows an option to select whether you certify the logs as correct or whether they contain errors . There is also an error in log remark that can be entered at any time .

 

Just log it as you do it and you should have no problems. I sign my logs at the end of the day. If you are doing it "Legal" you should have nothing to worry about.

 

I read the OP and all the replies.I have more important things to ponder....like where am I going to eat supper tonight. When driving you have a lot of time to ponder!

 

I always sign my log at the begaining of the day. Then log it as I do it. I don't really worry about making a mistake. Sign it or not if you make a mistake you are still going to get a ticket. When you get to court it will make little differance if you sign it at the start or ind of the day. If it make s you truckstop lawyers fell better though go on and sign at the end of the day.

 

The comment on the log indicates that you are stating that the information presented is true and correct.

The same holds true for the tax return you file.

Just curious, how many of you sign your tax return before you complete it?