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 now, to do so, drivers could 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.
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.
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 driving 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 will be made to the Regulation respecting the hours of driving and rest of heavy vehicle drivers.
Read below to find out more about ELDs and the proposed legislative amendments.
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
Yes. The legislation currently in effect in Québec allows heavy vehicle drivers to use ELDs to document their on-duty and off-duty hours.
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 are kept in the driver’s file. The driver must also have on hand a signed letter from his or her employer indicating:
The letter must also be kept in the driver’s file.
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.
Yes. The SAAQ is in favour of the use of ELDs, as they help heavy vehicle drivers better respect driving and off-duty hours.
Once the amendments to the Regulation respecting the hours of driving and rest of heavy vehicle drivers come into effect, 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.
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.
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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.
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.
The amendments to the Regulation will specify which vehicles are subject to the new rules. They will also specify which vehicles are exempt, if applicable.
Visit the website of the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators.
See the page Driving and Off-Duty Time.
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To reach the dedicated line for heavy vehicle owners, operators and drivers, call 1-800-361-7620.
Last update: January 25, 2023
