Canada's ELD mandate was designed to line up closely with the U.S. rule, and the same device can be used in both countries. But “closely” isn't “identical.” Cross-border fleets need a device that meets both standards, drivers who know which rules apply where, and a plan for the places the two systems differ.

The rule that matters most: follow the country you're in

When you're driving in Canada, Canadian hours-of-service and ELD rules apply. When you're in the U.S., FMCSA's rules apply. Canadian drivers must use an FMCSA-registered ELD in the U.S., and U.S. drivers must use a Transport Canada–certified ELD in Canada — unless an exemption applies in that country.

Key differences between the Canadian and U.S. ELD mandates

1. Certification

• Canada: Devices must be tested and certified by a certification body accredited by Transport Canada. Only devices on Transport Canada's certified list are allowed.
• U.S.: Providers self-certify and register their devices with FMCSA. FMCSA removes devices that don't meet the specifications.

An FMCSA-registered device isn't automatically certified in Canada. Cross-border fleets need a device that appears on both lists.

2. Exemptions

• Local radius: 160 km from the home terminal in Canada; 150 air-miles and a 14-hour return in the U.S.
• Rentals: 30 days or less in Canada; 8 days or less in the U.S.
• Older engines: The U.S. exempts pre-2000 engines in newer vehicles; Canada doesn't.
• Occasional logging: The U.S. exempts drivers who need logs 8 days or less in any 30 days. Canada has no such exemption.

Full details are in our guide to ELD exemptions in Canada and the US.

3. Malfunctions

After an ELD malfunction, U.S. drivers can use paper logs for up to 8 days while the carrier repairs or replaces the device. Canada allows up to 14 days, or until the driver returns to the home terminal on longer trips. Plan around the shorter U.S. limit if your trucks run in both countries.

4. Roadside data transfer

U.S. ELDs must support either telematics transfer (web services and email) or local transfer (USB 2.0 and Bluetooth). Canada's technical standard is built around electronic transfer to enforcement by email, with local transfer optional. Make sure drivers know how to send logs under each system.

Hours-of-service limits are different, too

The ELD records your time; the hours-of-service rules decide what's legal. The two countries' limits differ enough that a driver who's legal in one can be in violation after crossing the border.

Canada (south of 60°):

• 13 hours of driving and 14 hours on duty per day
• No driving after 16 hours have elapsed since the last 8 consecutive hours off duty
• At least 10 hours off duty per day
• Cycle 1: 70 hours in 7 days (36-hour reset) or Cycle 2: 120 hours in 14 days (72-hour reset)

U.S. (property carriers):

• 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour window, after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• A 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, with an optional 34-hour restart

For worked examples, see our Canadian and U.S. hours-of-service guides.

Personal conveyance

Canada caps personal conveyance at 75 km per day. FMCSA doesn't set a distance limit; what matters is that the trip is personal and doesn't advance the load or the business.

Cross-border ELD checklist

• Confirm your device is on both Transport Canada's certified list and FMCSA's registered list.
• Make sure the ELD tracks both rule sets and switches automatically at the border.
• Train drivers on both countries' roadside transfer methods.
• Plan trips so drivers have enough hours left under the rules of the country they're entering.
• Keep blank paper logs on board and plan for the 8-day U.S. malfunction limit.
• Check exemptions separately for each country — an exemption in one doesn't carry over.

One ELD for both sides of the border

Switchboard is certified for Canada and detects border crossings to switch between Canadian and U.S. hours-of-service timers automatically, so drivers always see how much time they have left under the right rules. Book a demo.

Official sources

• Transport Canada: Electronic logging devices
• Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations
• FMCSA: Electronic logging devices
• FMCSA: Hours of service

This guide is for general information and isn't legal advice. Check with Transport Canada, FMCSA and your provincial or state regulator for requirements that apply to your operation.