What are the differences between automatic onboard recording devices (AOBRDs) and devices using logging software programs?
A key difference between devices with logging software programs and AOBRDs relates to connectivity with the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operations. An AOBRD must be integrally synchronized with the specific operations of the CMV on which it is installed. AOBRDs must also record engine use, speed, miles driven, and date and time of day, as specified in 49 CFR 395.2. AOBRDs automatically record engine data for driving time versus the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) data or a driver inputting his or her driving status hours.
The display and output from devices using logging software must meet the requirements in 49 CFR 395.8. Drivers can manually enter their hours of service (HOS) information using the application or software program on the device, and then manually or electronically sign the RODS at the end of each 24-hour period to certify that all required entries are true and correct. During a roadside inspection, drivers using logging software programs can hand their device to the safety official to review their RODS. Additionally, officers conducting inspections can request a printed copy of the driver’s log with the current and prior seven days HOS information.
What are the differences in the technical specifications in the 1988 automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD) Rule (49 CFR 395.15) and the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rule?
The table below compares the technical specifications in the AOBRD rule (49 CFR 395.15) and the ELD rule.
| Feature/Function | 1988 AOBRD Rule | ELD Rule |
| Integral Synchronization | Integral synchronization required, but term not defined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). | Integral synchronization interfacing with the CMV engine electronic control module (ECM), to automatically capture engine power status, vehicle motion status, miles driven, engine hours. (CMVs older than model year 2000 exempted.) |
| Recording Location Information of Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) | Required at each change of duty status. Manual or automated. | Requires automated entry at each change of duty status, at 60-minute intervals while CMV is in motion, at engine-on and engine-off instances, and at beginning and end of personal use and yard moves. |
| Graph Grid Display | Not required – “time and sequence of duty status changes.” | An ELD must be able to present a graph grid of driver’s daily duty status changes either on a display or on a printout. |
| Hours of Service (HOS) Driver Advisory Messages | Not addressed. | HOS limits notification is not required. “Unassigned driving time/miles” warning must be provided upon login. |
| Device “Default” Duty Status | Not addressed. | On-duty not driving status, when CMV has not been in-motion for five consecutive minutes, and driver has not responded to an ELD prompt within one minute. No other non-driver-initiated status change is allowed. |
| Clock Time Drift | Not addressed. | ELD time must be synchronized to Universal Coordinated Time (UTC); absolute deviation must not exceed 10 minutes at any time. |
| Feature/Function | 1988 AOBRD Rule | ELD Rule |
| Communications Methods | Integral synchronization required, but term not defined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). | Integral synchronization interfacing with the CMV engine electronic control module (ECM), to automatically capture engine power status, vehicle motion status, miles driven, engine hours. (CMVs older than model year 2000 exempted.) |
| Resistance to Tampering | Required at each change of duty status. Manual or automated. | Requires automated entry at each change of duty status, at 60-minute intervals while CMV is in motion, at engine-on and engine-off instances, and at beginning and end of personal use and yard moves. |
| Graph Grid Display | Not required – “time and sequence of duty status changes.” | An ELD must be able to present a graph grid of driver’s daily duty status changes either on a display or on a printout. |
Why you should consider GoodDealGPS AOBRD solution?
GoodDealGPS AOBRD solution gives you limited flexibility, with an opportunity to correct mistakes on logs. Install before 12/18/2017 and get 2 solutions for the price of one. Get started with the AOBRD version and switch to ELD at anytime. Order AOBRD solution today!
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/what-are-differences-specs-1988-aobrd-rule-and-eld-rule