Electronic logging devices (ELD’s) have been on the minds of regulators and lawmakers this week. Alabama Trucking News reported earlier today about the new GHOSTRUCK Act targeting overseas ELD editors. Now the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) has come out with unrelated but appreciated guidance regarding ELD regulation streamlining.

Effective June 22, 2026, the FMSCA has rescinded its requirement for a copy of the ELD operator’s manual to be kept in a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). 

According to the ruling, drivers are required to understand the operation of the ELD on the vehicle to ensure the accuracy of their electronic records of duty status and to present this information during inspections by enforcement officials. There is no readily apparent benefit to continuing to require that the user’s manual be in the CMV, given the use of ELDs since December 2019. This final rule eliminates a regulatory burden on motor carriers without compromising safety.

Petitions for reconsideration of this final rule must be submitted to the FMCSA Administrator no later than July 22, 2026.

For more information, contact Bill Mahorney, Chief, Enforcement Division, FMCSA, 202-493-0001.