Last Thursday, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published guidance stating that the agency will now accept Hours of Service (HOS) record of duty status (RODS) logs that have been generated electronically either by a computer, tablet or smartphone and that have been signed electronically. This latest guidance is a switch from 2011 when the agency stated that drivers could use such logging software programs, but still had to print the logs on paper and sign them in "the driver’s own handwriting." However, FMCSA is very clear in mentioning that such programs and electronic devices are not the same as, nor can they be used in lieu of, automatic on-board recording devices (AOBRD), also known now as ELDs (Electronic Recording Devices). 

This latest guidance is not only pointed at drivers for expanding their logging options, but also to provide "Federal, State, and local motor carrier enforcement officials with uniform information...". The guidance became effective the same day it was published, July 10, 2014.