Canadian vs. U.S. Comparison
This comparison outlines the key regulatory differences between Canada’s and the U.S.’s ELD mandates. While both countries’ rules are similar, Canada requires third-party ELD certification, stricter yard move automation, and proactive Driver notifications before limits are reached, whereas the U.S. allows self-certification and requires manual yard move changes. Canada provides 14 days for malfunction resolution (with recordkeeping), allows direct email log transfer to enforcement, and includes special provisions for operations north of the 60th parallel. Differences also exist in rental exemptions, implementation timelines, and enforcement procedures.
| Canada | United States | |
|
Implementation |
Effective June 12, 2021, with educational enforcement to January 1, 2023 |
Mandate adopted Dec. 2015; mandate effective Dec. 2017; grandfathering for carriers using AOBRDs ends Dec. 2019 |
|
Certification |
ELD 3rd party certification |
ELD provider self-certification |
|
Exemptions |
Limited exemptions for: drivers operating under a permit or statutory exemption; drivers operating a rental CMV for 30 days or less; drivers operating CMVs manufactured before the year 2000; drivers operating within 160 km of home terminal and meeting all conditions |
Drivers operating a rental CMV for 8 days or less; pre-2000 exemption is the same as Canada; also multiple industry/situational exemptions |
|
Notifications |
Compliance with the limits must be tracked and driver must be warned 30 minutes before reaching a limit |
U.S. devices must only record, no warning required |
|
Yard Moves |
If the vehicle reaches 32 kph (20 mph) in yard move status, the ELD will automatically switch to driving. |
Driver must manually switch |
|
Malfunctions |
14 days to replace or, if the trip is longer than 14 days, upon return to the terminal; carrier must keep records of malfunctions |
Up to 8 days allowed, no recordkeeping requirement |
|
Roadside enforcement |
-Display or print the record of duty status; email records upon request by enforcement -Bluetooth/USB transfer is an option, not mandatory |
-Display or printout or Bluetooth/USB/web/email is required (must transfer using one of 4 methods) -Email direct to officer is not an option. |
|
North of 60N |
Device must have the ability to change when crossing 60N (to Yukon and Northwest Territories) |
Not applicable |