Safety is a priority and jurisdictions remain committed to the federal Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate. Mandatory use of these devices will help ensure federally regulated commercial carriers operating in Canada, including those that cross the border into Canada, will continue to drive within their hours of service. The use of ELDs will result in more efficient mechanisms to accurately log working hours.

It is important to recognize that the transportation sector has seen significant pressure over the last two years. Jurisdictions and industry have worked diligently to support the transportation sector through these challenges. Considerable progress has been made towards putting in place the regulations and infrastructure to enforce the federal ELD mandate, including a notable acceleration in the number of certified ELD devices available in the marketplace.

Jurisdictions have been monitoring progress and determined that an extension of the transition period is required. This will allow sufficient time for industry to purchase and install certified ELD devices, and conduct training to be compliant. Based on these factors, jurisdictions will continue to support the mandate through a period of education and awareness through to January 1, 2023.

Industry is advised to research ELD device options and ensure any procured ELD is a certified device as approved by Transport Canada. Approved devices can be found here as they become certified: https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/road/electronic-logging-devices.html

As enforcement of the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations is a jurisdictional responsibility, it is important to be aware of provincial or territorial regulations and requirements.

Electronic logging devices

Electronic logging devices are equipment that help drivers accurately record their driving time.

Starting 12 June 2021, the Government of Canada is requiring federally regulated motor carriers and drivers of commercial buses and trucks who are currently required to maintain a daily paper log to switch to an electronic logging device.

Carriers that operate only in Nova Scotia and are not federally regulated do not need to install and use electronic logging devices at this time.

Messages for Industry with Respect to the Federal Electronic Logging Device Mandate

As announced by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, the Province of Nova Scotia plans to support the mandate through a progressive enforcement period without penalties until 1 January 2023.

Certification

Electronic logging device hardware and software, like smartphone apps, must be tested and certified by a third party accredited by Transport Canada.

Carrier Training

Carriers can continue to use other record of duty status methods, including paper (logbooks- while training with the ELD if both are in agreement with each other. This option will cease when the education and awareness period conclude, and enforcement begins.

Resources

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) in Nova Scotia Info Brochure (PDF)

Electronic Logging Devices (Transport Canada)

Nova Scotia Electronic logging devices (ELD) Q & A (PDF)

Contact

Manager, Training & Outreach - Doug Leamon
Training & Outreach Inspector - Ken Chisholm
Training & Outreach Inspector - Roderick Dykeman