WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has officially revoked five electronic logging devices (ELDs) from its registered list, mandating that motor carriers replace the hardware within 60 days. This regulatory action, which takes effect immediately, requires all affected fleets and owner-operators to transition to compliant equipment no later than October 6, 2026. The devices affected by the agency's order include the Moonlight ELD (MRS255), the HGR ELD (HRS169), the Highest ELD (HIG385), the Truckford ELD (TRS263), and the Sparkle ELD (PT40SIM).
These revocations underscore the ongoing struggle to maintain compliant HOS tracking across the industry. When a device is pulled from the registry, it means the manufacturer failed to meet the technical standards required by FMCSA regulations. For a CDL-A driver, this creates an immediate compliance headache, as operating with non-compliant technology can lead to roadside violations or being placed out of service during a standard inspection. The agency has removed a total of 95 devices since January 2025, signaling an aggressive push to clean up the marketplace.
During the current 60-day grace period, enforcement officers have been instructed not to cite drivers solely for using these specific revoked devices. However, this leniency expires on October 7, 2026. After that date, anyone caught using the defunct hardware faces significant penalties. Drivers are encouraged to verify their device status on the official FMCSA website immediately to ensure they do not face downtime or fines while searching for new truck driver jobs or managing their current routes.
What This Means for Drivers
If you are currently running one of the five revoked units, you must carry paper logs or alternative compliant logging software as a backup until you swap out the hardware. You should present these paper logs or the existing display as supporting documentation during any roadside stop to avoid confusion with inspectors. Transitioning to a new, registered ELD must be completed well before the October 7 deadline to ensure your hours-of-service data remains unbroken and legally defensible. For an owner-operator, this means vetting new vendors carefully to ensure the replacement device is fully registered and not a rebranded version of a previously failed unit.
Industry Reaction
The prevalence of "white-labeled" or "chameleon" ELDs remains a primary concern for industry groups like the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). Joe Ohr, the organization's chief operating officer, has repeatedly warned that when one version of a white-labeled device fails, the entire family of related products often shares the same underlying technical deficiencies. By flooding the market with identical hardware under various brand names, these vendors make it difficult for trucking companies hiring new fleets to identify which systems are actually reliable. Industry advocates continue to push for stricter oversight to ensure that electronic logging remains a tool for safety rather than a source of regulatory risk.
Key Points
- Carriers must replace the Moonlight, HGR, Highest, Truckford, or Sparkle ELD units by October 6, 2026.
- Drivers are permitted to use paper logs or compliant software during the 60-day transition window.
- Operating a revoked device after October 7, 2026, will result in citations and potential out-of-service orders.
- The FMCSA will consider reinstating devices only after manufacturers address and correct the specific technical deficiencies identified during the review process.
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