Tips for Roadside Inspections

This article provides talking points for Drivers during a Roadside Inspection when officers encounter issues with Encompass® ELD data. It explains how to address missing log data, VIN, engine hours/miles, or mismatched location formats, often by clarifying regulatory requirements or suggesting officers verify the display mode in the ELD app. It also covers steps to take if data transfer fails, including checking connectivity and reminding officers that Drivers should not be placed Out of Service if they can display the required information. A Roadside Inspection Card, required to be kept in the vehicle, contains instructions for performing data transfers and display methods.

*Encompass Administrators: If you would like to order physical inspection cards, call 1-877-564-2333 ext. 8106.

 

Missing Data in the Officer's View of the Logs

Politely ask the officer to check the display in the roadside mode of the Encompass® ELD application to verify the data is actually missing. The data may be missing from the transferred data due to power down/power up timing compared to the entry time, but visible in the display (the missing data is in the device, it just wasn't bundled with the data sent to e-rods due to the power down/power up timing).

• Note: If the data is not in the transferred data and is also not in the display, it is missing and it is a violation.

 

Missing VIN

Politely mention to the officer that VIN is only required if the device is able to access it on the vehicle's databus (since it is not appearing in the ELD records, it was not available).

 

Missing Engine Hours/Miles

Politely point out to the officer that these entries are not required if the duty change took place away from the vehicle or the duty change took place when the vehicle was powered down.

Politely ask the officer to check the display as there are times it does not come through to the transferred data due to the power down/power up timing.

 

Location Does Not Match GIS Formatting

Politely point out that drivers are allowed to manually enter locations if the device cannot automatically determine the location.

 

The Officer is Unable to Receive Data

Determine if there is cellular/data connectivity.  If not, point this out to the officer and attempt to establish connectivity.

Politely ask the officer if he/she has connectivity and to verify that e-rods is functioning.

Politely ask the officer to check the display method in the roadside mode to verify all required data is present and to determine if any missing data may have stopped e-rods from allowing the transfer to take place.

 

The Officer is Talking About Placing the Driver Out-of-Service Due to the Data Not Transferring

Politely point out to the officer that under the North American Out-of-Service Criteria, the only time a driver is to be put out of service due to the data not transferring is if the driver ALSO cannot provide the display to the officer. As long as the driver can present the display in the roadside mode, the officer should not place the driver out of service if a transfer is not successful.