An AOBRD or Automatic On-Board Recording Device is a piece of hardware that connects to the engine of the vehicle, to record the driver’s hours of service (HOS). AOBRD is also an older version of an electronic logging device (ELD) and it complies with 49 CFR 395.15.
Because AOBRDs are an older version of ELDs, fleets could have used them until December 16th, 2019, when they transitioned to ELDs. Therefore, AOBRDs are not compliant anymore.
An AOBRD includes some of the same features as an ELD but usually does not meet all the requirements. The ELD device is basically a better version of AOBRD and is necessary to have exchanged in vehicles nowadays.
Are AOBRDs still compliant?
No, they are not. As we mentioned before, fleets had to transition to using ELDs since December 16th, 2019.
If you want to find out more about ELD devices, click here.
Difference between AOBRD and ELD
The key difference between AOBRD and ELD is that AOBRD does not record and/or display as much data as ELDs. AOBRD is also an older version of ELD.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
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Tracks information more accurately.
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ELDs have a greater level of accuracy and HOS compliance.
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Display log edit history.
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Must be able to transfer the ELD data via telematics or local services.
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Must automatically record driving status once the vehicle starts moving.
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The driver must be able to review, edit and annotate the driver’s ELD record.
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Special driving categories require that the carrier must control the permission on the support system to enable the driver to use Yard Move or Personal Conveyance.
Automatic On-Board Recording Device (AOBRD).
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Do not display log edit history.
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Do not record as much data as ELDs.
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Not required to record driving status automatically.
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Did not address the format for the transfer of driver’s logs.
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Editing driver’s records are not addressed.
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Special driving categories are not required.
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