Fried Goldberg LLC Says Carriers Must Act Quickly to Avoid Safety Risks
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has revoked five electronic logging devices (ELDs) from its list of approved systems, giving motor carriers 60 days to replace them or risk being cited for operating without a valid logbook. The decision shows the agency’s continued focus on hours-of-service compliance and the serious consequences when technology fails to meet federal safety standards.
According to the FMCSA, the affected devices include Premium ELD, True Logbook, Xplore ELD, KAMI ELD, and EVO ELD 1, which were found to fall short of the agency’s minimum operational and reporting requirements. Carriers using these systems must transition to compliant ELDs by December 16, 2025, or revert temporarily to paper logs until replacements are installed.
The attorneys at Fried Goldberg LLC, one of the nation’s leading trucking litigation firms, say the move highlights an ongoing challenge within the trucking industry: ensuring that compliance tools actually promote safety rather than simply check a box.
“ELDs are meant to prevent fatigue-related crashes and keep everyone accountable,” attorney Joe Fried said. “But when the devices themselves are unreliable or improperly certified, they create confusion for drivers and enforcement officers, and that confusion can put lives at risk.”
The Role of ELDs in Truck Safety
Electronic logging devices were designed to replace paper logs and automatically track a truck driver’s hours of service, helping to curb violations linked to fatigue and falsified records. The FMCSA requires nearly all commercial motor vehicle operators to use certified ELDs to ensure consistent data collection and reduce human error.
However, as the agency’s latest action shows, not all devices are created equal. When systems fail to record data accurately or meet technical specifications, they can mask safety risks, expose carriers to liability, and leave investigators without the reliable records needed to reconstruct events after a crash.
Compliance Deadlines and Enforcement
The FMCSA has advised law enforcement not to issue citations during the 60-day grace period if drivers present paper logs or backup software. After December 16, though, carriers continuing to use revoked devices will be considered out of compliance and may face out-of-service orders or citations for “no record of duty status.”
Attorney Michael Goldberg says the enforcement deadline should serve as a wake-up call. “Technology is only as strong as the oversight behind it,” he said. “When a device fails to meet federal standards, it compromises not only compliance but safety, and, ultimately, accountability for everyone on the road.”
A Push Toward Stronger Accountability
Fried Goldberg LLC has long advocated for transparency and reliability in the technology systems that govern commercial trucking. From electronic logs to data recorders, the firm says these tools must function correctly to protect both drivers and the public.
“Hours-of-service rules exist to save lives,” Fried said. “If a device can’t do its job, regulators need to step in quickly, and they did the right thing here.”
About Fried Goldberg LLC
Based in Atlanta and serving victims nationwide, Fried Goldberg LLC is one of the preeminent trucking accident law firms in the United States. The firm has recovered over $1 billion for its clients, including many 7- and 8-figure verdicts and settlements. For more information, visit www.friedgoldberg.com.
