The CSA’s SMS update includes new ELD violations and severity weights

As of April 1, 2018, new violations associated with the FMCSA’s ELD mandate will fall under the Hours of Service Compliance BASIC category in the CSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS).

What does this mean to you as a driver/carrier?  These violations are not being applied retroactively.  Any violation recorded before April 1, 2018, will not be included in the SMS.  However, it is important that you conduct a careful review and check the code indicated in your violation report.  If the code is anything other than 395.22(a) and was issued to you before April 1, 2018, then you can request to have the code changed.  The violation will then be removed from the system. 

Keep in mind, if you received ELD violations after April 1, 2018, you will see those violations in your HOS Compliance BASIC. 

What are some of the new violations?  Some of the new violations are incurred for not having a record of duty status/no logbook when required.  These violations have a severity weight of 5, with an additional 2 points when an out-of-service order is included.

Here are the details of the 3 violations:

1.     395.8A-ELD – if the driver doesn’t have a logbook when he is required to use an ELD.

2.     395.8A-NON-ELD – When the driver doesn’t have a logbook when an ELD is not required.  This applies to those who are exempt from the ELD mandate requirements.

3.     395.8A1 – This is the code for when the driver is not using the appropriate method to record hours-of-service.

Drivers should also be aware of 395.11G, which is the failure to provide supporting documents in the driver’s possession upon request.  This violation has a severity weight of 7.

What’s next?  Now that full enforcement of the ELD mandate has begun, ELD related violations will affect a carrier’s CSA scores.  Make sure you are fully prepared and equipped with an FMCSA compliant ELD solution.

If you are still without an ELD or aren’t completely satisfied with your current ELD provider, try  Motive.