What Are DOT Logbook Requirements for Truckers in 2025?

If you’re a semi-truck driver, you already know that keeping up with log book rules for truck drivers is a big part of the job. By 2025, most of the trucker's logbook rules you’re following now will stay the same, but there are critical updates to truck logbook rules you can’t afford to ignore.

Understanding these requirements is crucial for staying compliant and avoiding disruptions on the road. To start, let’s break down exactly what information your logbook must include to meet FMCSA standards.

What Must the Log Include?

While electronic logging devices (ELDs) automate much of this process, manual logs remain an essential backup. If you ever need to rely on them, you’ll need to know exactly what’s required under DOT logbook regulations. 

The CDL logbook rules state that you must use a 24-hour graph grid to log your hours of service and include certain details on each page of your logbook. While the overall look and layout of your log can be customized, the required information cannot. Here’s what must be recorded:

- Date: The month, day, and year that the 24-hour period began. If a driver takes multiple consecutive days off duty, they can combine them on one log page with an explanation in the "Remarks" section.

- Total miles driving today: The total miles driven during the 24 hours.

- Truck or tractor and trailer number: Either the vehicle number(s) assigned by the company or the license number and licensing state for each truck and trailer driven during the 24 hours.

- Name of carrier: The name of the motor carrier(s) for whom the driver is working. If a driver works for multiple carriers in 24 hours, they must record the start and end times for each carrier.

- Main office address: The city and state of the carrier's main office.

- Your signature: The driver's legal name or name of record to certify all entries are true and correct.

- Name of co-driver: If applicable.

- Time base to be used: The time zone of the home terminal. Even if a driver crosses into other time zones, they should record the time as it is at their home terminal. All drivers operating out of the same home terminal must use the same starting time for the 24 hours as designated by their employer.

- Remarks: The city, town, or village and state abbreviation for each change of duty status. This is also where drivers should explain any unusual circumstances or unclear log entries, such as encountering adverse driving conditions.

- Total hours: The total hours for each duty status must be added and recorded on the right side of the grid. The total of all entries must equal 24 hours unless the log page reflects multiple consecutive days off duty.

- Shipping document number(s) or name of shipper and commodity: For each shipment, the driver must write down either a shipping document number, such as the shipping manifest number, or the name of the shipper and the commodity being hauled.

Here is what your graph grid must look like. The other required information may be placed anywhere on the page outside the grid.

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You must keep the grid on your log current to your last change of duty status. For example, if you are driving and an inspector stops you and asks to see your logbook, the final entry should show the time and place that you last started driving. These DOT logbook rules apply to all truck drivers, regardless of whether they are long-haul or local.

The grid will have the starting time and the hours marked above it. You must draw lines on the grid as follows:

- Off Duty. Connect the relevant time markers with a solid line to indicate your off-duty hours.

- Sleeper Berth. Draw a solid line between the appropriate time markers to show the periods you are resting in a sleeper berth.

- Driving. Mark the times you are driving a commercial motor vehicle by drawing a solid line between the correct time markers.

- On Duty (Not Driving). When you're on the clock but not behind the wheel of a big rig, mark that time on your log with a solid line. This includes when you're driving a regular vehicle for your company.

After you have completed your log, the regulations allow you 13 days to get the original copy to your carrier. Your carrier may require you to turn it in sooner. You must keep a copy of your completed log for the next 7 consecutive days. The copies must be available for inspection by law enforcement officers.

If you need to make edits to your logs, be sure to include a clear and detailed explanation. Carefully document any additional notes to ensure consistency during inspections. Keep in mind that inspectors are thorough and detail-oriented, so it’s essential to maintain the same level of accuracy and diligence in your records.

While understanding what must be included in your logbook is critical, knowing how to track your Hours of Service (HOS) effectively is equally important. Whether you’re using an ELD, a mobile app, or manual logs, choosing the right method ensures accuracy and compliance. Let’s explore the most common tools and techniques for tracking HOS under commercial driver logbook rules.

Key Methods to Track a HOS

To ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations and to accurately track employee working hours, there are several common methods for tracking Hours of Service (HOS). These methods include using time-tracking, punch clocks, or dedicated work hours trackers. These tools allow employees to clock in and out, recording their start and end times for each shift.

- Time-Tracking Apps. These digital tools, like TimeCamp, Toggl Track, or Clockify, enable employees to easily log their start and end times, often with the ability to track specific tasks and projects within their workday, providing detailed time usage data. 

- Punch Clocks. Traditional timekeeping devices where employees physically "punch in" and "punch out" to record their work hours are often used in workplaces with high employee turnover or where strict attendance monitoring is necessary. 

- Biometric Time Clocks. An advanced version of punch clocks utilizing fingerprint or facial recognition for even more accurate employee identification and time tracking. 

- Mobile Apps. Many time-tracking apps are available on mobile devices, allowing employees to clock in and out conveniently from anywhere. 

- Manual Timesheets. While less efficient, some companies still rely on paper timesheets where employees manually write down their start and end times.

Each of these tracking methods serves a specific purpose and can be tailored to fit your operational needs. Whether you’re using an ELD, a mobile app, or manual logs, the key is to ensure accuracy and consistency. Mistakes in recording your Hours of Service can lead to violations, fines, and even out-of-service orders, so it’s crucial to choose a method that works best for you and aligns with FMCSA requirements. For example, if your ELD malfunctions or is revoked, having a backup plan, such as familiarity with manual logs or mobile apps, can save you from costly penalties. 

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Given the importance of accurate tracking, it’s worth addressing a pressing issue affecting many drivers: the revocation of certain ELDs. If you’re currently using one of these devices, it’s critical to act quickly to avoid penalties and ensure compliance.

What You Need to Know About Revoked ELDs?

Speaking of staying on top of things, the FMCSA has removed several ELDs from its list of registered devices due to non-compliance with minimum requirements.  Affected devices include BLUE STAR ELD, ROAD STAR SOLUTIONS, United Eld, Speed ELD, and two TrackEnsure ELD devices.

If you are currently using one of these devices, you must replace it with a compliant ELD by March 9, 2025. Failing to maintain a proper record of duty status is a violation of 395.8(a)(1). This violation could result in you being placed out-of-service during inspections. Motor carriers have up to 60 days to switch to a compliant device, but don’t wait until the last minute. If the manufacturers fix the issues, the FMCSA might add these ELDs back to the approved list, but that’s not guaranteed. 

Even if your ELD remains FMCSA-approved, malfunctions can still occur. In such cases, manual recording of Hours of Service (HOS) becomes mandatory. These written logs must be retained for a minimum of 8 days. This highlights the importance of understanding trucker logbook rules both electronically and manually, as drivers must always be prepared for any situation.

Failing to comply with DOT logbook rules doesn’t just mean paperwork issues. It can lead to serious consequences. 

Penalties for Non-Compliance

After all, even small mistakes can lead to big problems. Failing to meet these expectations doesn’t just mean paperwork issues. Here’s what happens if you fail to follow DOT logbook rules:

- Fines: Violations can cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per offense, depending on the severity. Falsifying logs or failing to maintain accurate records is taken very seriously.

- Out-of-Service Orders: If you’re caught using an unapproved ELD or failing to maintain a proper record of duty status, you could be placed out of service. This means no driving until the issue is resolved, which could leave you stranded and cost you valuable work time.

- CSA Score Penalties: Non-compliance impacts your carrier’s Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) score. A low CSA score can lead to increased scrutiny from inspectors, difficulty securing insurance, and even lost contracts.

- Employment Risks: Carriers may hesitate to hire drivers with a history of violations, as it reflects poorly on their safety record.

To avoid these consequences, always ensure your logs are accurate, your ELD is compliant, and you’re familiar with the latest regulations.

As we move through 2025, DOT logbook requirements will continue to shape the trucking industry. For semi-truck drivers, staying informed and using tools like ELDs is the best way to navigate these rules successfully.