Driver

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

The Regulation respecting the hours of driving and rest of heavy vehicle drivers (the Regulation) requires that heavy vehicle drivers document their on-duty time, hours of driving and off-duty time. Up until April 29, 2023, to do so, drivers can fill out a daily paper log, use an electronic logging device (ELD) or use another electronic format.

As of April 30, 2023, however, it will be mandatory to document these hours using an ELD.

To see the amendments made to the Regulation, consult the Gazette officielle du Québec.

Using an ELD has many advantages. As hours are logged automatically, the device makes it easier to follow the requirements of the Regulation and thereby helps prevent fatigue at the wheel. In addition, drivers save time as they are not required to manually record their hours.

Legal framework

In June 2019, Transport Canada published the Regulation Amending the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations. This regulatory amendment, which has been in effect since January 1, 2023, makes it mandatory for certain heavy vehicle drivers to use ELDs to document their on-duty and off-duty hours. To ensure fluidity in transport operations, the Government of Québec has committed to harmonizing its legislation with that of the federal government.

To do so, amendments have been planned for the Highway Safety Code and have been made to the Regulation respecting the hours of driving and rest of heavy vehicle drivers. These amendments will be in effect as of April 30, 2023.

Read below to find out more about ELDs and the upcoming legislative amendments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an electronic logging device (ELD)?

An electronic logging device (ELD) is a device connected to a vehicle’s motor, which records all information related to heavy vehicle drivers’ on-duty time, hours of driving and off-duty time.

Note that driving hours cannot be modified on an ELD because they are extracted from the information provided through the motor.

Use of ELDs in Québec

Is it currently possible to use ELDs in Québec?

Yes. The legislation currently in effect in Québec allows heavy vehicle drivers to use ELDs to document their on-duty and off-duty hours.

What are the obligations when transitioning from a paper log to an ELD?

Up until April 30, to ease the transition, the SAAQ will allow drivers to use both a paper log and an ELD for a maximum of three weeks. This accommodation is allowed as long as all information regarding driving and off-duty hours is kept in the driver’s file. The driver must also have on hand a signed letter from his or her employer indicating:

  • the start and end dates of the transition period (this period is non-renewable)
  • the medium (paper or electronic) that will be used during roadside inspections or facility audits

The letter must also be kept in the driver’s file.

Will there be a change to the period of time that daily logs must be kept?

No. Regardless of the medium used, drivers must keep their (paper or electronic) daily logs for the previous 14 days. At the business, daily logs must be kept in the driver’s file for a minimum of 6 months. The same will apply to the records of duty status that will soon come into use.

Is the SAAQ in favour of the use of ELDs?

Yes. The SAAQ is in favour of the use of ELDs, as they help heavy vehicle drivers better respect driving and off-duty hours.

Is there certification for this type of device?

Once the amendments to the Regulation respecting the hours of driving and rest of heavy vehicle drivers come into effect on April 30, 2023, the heavy vehicles in question will have to be equipped with a device that meets Canada’s technical specifications regarding ELDs.

See the list of certified ELDs.

Obligations

When will it become mandatory to use ELDs in Québec?

ELDs will become mandatory in Québec on April 30, 2023, when the amendments to the Regulation to amend the regulation respecting the hours of driving and rest of heavy vehicle drivers come into effect. Daily logs already in use can therefore continue to be used in heavy vehicles travelling on Québec roads until the amendments come into effect, regardless of whether or not those vehicles are registered in Québec.

To stay informed, subscribe to the Le Relayeur newsletter (in French only).

Have heavy vehicles providing extra-provincial transportation services been required to be equipped with an eld when travelling in Québec since January 1, 2023?

This will be the case only once the regulation making the ELD mandatory in Québec comes into effect on April 30, 2023. Until then, drivers of any heavy vehicles providing extra-provincial transportation can continue to use paper or electronic daily logs when travelling in Québec.

Have ELDs been mandatory for heavy vehicles travelling outside Québec since January 1, 2023?

Heavy vehicle drivers have been required to use ELDs since January 1, 2023 in multiple provinces and territories. It is your responsibility to verify the requirements regarding ELDs in each jurisdiction in which you plan to travel.

Which vehicles will have to be equipped with ELDs once the Regulation comes into effect?

Generally speaking, anyone required to fill out a record of duty status (daily log) must also do so using an ELD. Operators must ensure that every heavy vehicle under their responsibility is equipped with an ELD that meets technical specifications, except in the following cases:

  • The vehicle is leased under a rental contract of not longer than 30 days that is not an extended or renewed contract.
  • The vehicle was manufactured before the 2000 model year.  
  • The vehicle is driven within a 160 km radius of the driver’s home terminal and the driver returns to the home terminal each day (both conditions must be met).
  • The driver operating the vehicle within a 160 km radius of the home terminal is unable to return to the home terminal the same day due to adverse driving conditions (the inability to return must be explained).
  • The vehicle is being driven in order to be delivered:
    • to the owner’s home terminal following a transfer of ownership
    • to the lessee
    • to the lessor during or upon the expiry of the lease contract
    • to a vehicle rental enterprise branch for an inventory adjustment
  • The vehicle being driven to be delivered in one of the above cases is not loaded or hitched.
  • The vehicle being driven to be delivered in one of the above cases is transporting one or more vehicles that are also being delivered using the saddle-mount method.
  • The vehicle is being driven within the first 5 days of its delivery following a transfer of ownership and is not hitched or loaded.
  • The vehicle is a new vehicle being driven to be delivered to a company for final manufacturing or transformation in order to make it comply with the use for which it is essentially intended, or is being driven to be returned to the owner following such manufacturing or transformation.

IMPORTANT: The obligation to use an ELD applies whenever a vehicle is driven outside the 160 km radius and whenever a driver does not return to the home terminal, even if this happens only occasionally.

Additional information

Where can I find information regarding Canada’s technical specifications with regard to ELDs?

Where can I view the current requirements of the Regulation respecting the hours of driving and rest of heavy vehicle drivers?

How can I stay informed about the latest developments regarding ELDs?

Subscribe to the Le Relayeur newsletter (in French only).

To reach the dedicated line for heavy vehicle owners, operators and drivers, call 1-800-361-7620.

Last update: February 23, 2023