Barring certain exceptions, effective April 30, 2023, the Regulation respecting the hours of driving and rest of heavy vehicle drivers (the Regulation) now requires that heavy vehicle drivers use a record of duty status to keep track of their on-duty time, hours of driving and off-duty time. Furthermore, most heavy vehicle drivers will now have to use an electronic logging device (ELD) to produce their records of duty status.
Using an ELD has many advantages. As hours of driving 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 fill out their records of duty status by hand.
In June 2019, Transport Canada published the Regulation Amending the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations, which came into effect on January 1, 2023. In keeping with the other Canadian provinces and territories, Québec has harmonized its legislation with that of the federal government.
Refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” section below to find out more about ELDs and these legislative amendments.
An electronic logging device (ELD) is a device connected to a vehicle’s motor, which automatically records all information related to a heavy vehicle driver’s hours of driving.
No. Regardless of the medium used (paper or electronic records), drivers who are required to produce a record of duty status must always keep their records of duty status for the previous 14 days on board their vehicle. Operators must keep the records of duty status in the driver’s file for a minimum of 6 months.
Heavy vehicles subject to the ELD requirement must be equipped with a certified ELD that meets Canada’s technical specifications regarding ELDs.
See the list of certified ELDs.
ELDs have been mandatory in Québec since April 30, 2023, which is the date the amendments to the Regulation to amend the regulation respecting the hours of driving and rest of heavy vehicle drivers came into effect. This requirement applies to all heavy vehicles travelling on Québec roads, regardless of whether or not those vehicles are registered in Québec.
Effective April 30, 2023, heavy vehicles used in extra-provincial transportation are also required to be equipped with an ELD when travelling in Québec.
It is your responsibility to verify the requirements regarding ELDs in each jurisdiction in which you plan to travel.
Generally speaking, any heavy vehicle subject to the Regulation and whose driver is required to keep track of hours of driving, on-duty time and off-duty time in a record of duty status must be equipped with an ELD. The following exceptions apply:
Heavy vehicle drivers who are in this situation can use any device they wish to record their on-duty and off-duty time. They can use a certified ELD, an ELD that has not been certified, a computer or any other device, provided the device in question can produce and submit a valid record of duty status in accordance with the Regulation. Drivers may also choose to complete their records of duty status on paper.
For practical or financial reasons, operators may decide to install a certified ELD on a heavy vehicle even if not required to do so, just as a driver may decide to use an ELD for similar reasons. The only thing that may prevent them from doing so would be an incompatibility between the ELD and certain types of motors.
Visit the website of the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators.
See the page entitled Driving and Off-Duty Time.
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: May 4, 2023
