Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

ELDs and Dangers of Log Falsification

Learn more about log falsification strategies, how to identify them, and how to prevent them from happening.

Kathy Close
Kathy CloseTransportation Editor, J.J. Keller
Read Kathy's Posts
April 4, 2023
ELDs and Dangers of Log Falsification

Do you know how to spot falsified driver logs? Check out these tips to spot and prevent them! 

Photo: Work Truck/Canva

3 min to read


Falsification remains an hours-of-service problem, despite electronic logging device (ELD) advancements.

Motor carriers should familiarize themselves with common falsification methods to prevent them from happening. In the event of an audit, the violations noted in the table below may result in more than just exceeding hours-of-service (HOS) limits. Falsification is its own class of violation; a carrier could be fined up to almost $15,000 per occurrence.

Ad Loading...

To deter drivers and others from falsifying, motor carriers should audit their ELD data. If falsification is discovered, a motor carrier’s policies and procedures should clearly explain the actions they will take in response.

Fasification Strategies, Identification Techniques & Prevention

The following are log falsification strategies, how you identify them, and how to prevent them from happening:

Falsification Strategy

How to Identify

How to Prevent

  • Logging out and continuing to drive, or

  • Not logging in to bank hours for later in the day or creating a compliant break period.

  • Review unassigned driving time to determine which driver it belongs to, if possible.

  • Add the unassigned driving time to an identified driver’s hours.

  • Identify those who use unassigned driving time to exceed HOS limits.

  • Work with your drivers on logging in and out at the appropriate times.

  • Immediately counsel, retrain, or discipline drivers identified as creating unassigned driving time to hide their true activities.

  • Misusing a special driving category

  • Review all uses of the special driving categories (personal use and yard move).

  • Identify signs of falsification, such as:

    • The driver was on a company assignment or assigned route (personal use).

    • The driver was at a location other than a yard (yard move).

  • Train all drivers on when the special categories can be used.

  • Immediately counsel, retrain, or discipline drivers found misusing one of the special driving categories.

  • Editing previously entered on-duty time to off-duty time to create more hours

  • Review all edits using supporting documents.

  • Look for a driver (or a supervisor) who incorrectly changed logged on-duty to off-duty time.

  • Train on acceptable edits (to correct errors and omissions).

  • Immediately counsel, retrain, or discipline drivers found using edits to create more available hours.

  • Logging everything as off duty

  • Use supporting documents to look for known on-duty activities (inspections, fueling, loading, unloading, etc.).

  • Identify when there is no on-duty time during the activity.

  • Emphasize what must be logged on duty during driver training.

  • Immediately counsel, retrain, or discipline drivers found logging on-duty activities as off-duty.

  • Using another driver’s log-in credentials

  • Detect drivers off for the day or no longer with the carrier but shown as moving a vehicle (according to the ELD system).

  • Immediately counsel, retrain, or discipline drivers found using another driver’s credentials.


Are you curious about driver exceptions? Whether the IRP applies to smaller, commercial vehicles? Or just want to stay up-to-date on ELD-related news and changes? Be sure to bookmark our site so you never miss an update! 

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Operations

Graphic for Work Truck's TruckChat Shades of Fleet series titled "Next Up in Fleet." A commercial truck drives toward a futuristic city skyline with digital technology icons, connected vehicle imagery, and blue light trails representing innovation and the future of fleet.
Operationsby Lauren FletcherJune 17, 2026

Shades of Fleet Call for Voices: Next Up in Fleet

Apprentices, interns, young professionals, and rising leaders: share your voice in our "Next Up in Fleet" episode of our Shades of Fleet video series!

Read More →
Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet thumbnail featuring Lauren Fletcher against a truck-themed background with bold text reading “Skilled Trades, Smart Fleets & Driver Voices.” The graphic highlights workforce development, fleet leadership, and driver-focused industry trends
Operationsby Lauren FletcherJune 15, 2026

Fleet Leadership, Skilled Trades, and Better Data Take Center Stage | Weekly Cheat Sheet

Skilled trades, fleet leadership, DataQs, and driver input take center stage in this week's Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet. Watch the latest fleet headlines.

Read More →
Graphic announcing the 2026 Class of NAFA Fellows, listing honorees Clyde “Dale” Collins, Patti Earley, Bryan Flansburg, Bob Mossing, and Cedric Roberts, with the NAFA Fleet Management Association logo on a blue and gold background.
Operationsby News/Media ReleaseJune 10, 2026

NAFA Names 2026 Class of Fellows, Honoring Leaders in Fleet Management

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) has recognized five fleet professionals by naming them to the 2026 Class of NAFA Fellows. Find out who they are and learn more about their impact on the fleet management profession.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic promoting a Verisk cargo theft story. Large text reads “Cargo Theft Indictment” beside an open box truck containing palletized, shrink-wrapped cargo, highlighting a transportation crime and law enforcement investigation.
Operationsby News/Media ReleaseJune 9, 2026

Verisk CargoNet Assists in Manhattan Cargo Theft Indictment Targeting Multi-State Impersonation Ring

Verisk CargoNet assisted law enforcement efforts tied to an indictment related to an organized, multi-state cargo theft operation that allegedly took nearly $5 million in stolen goods through impersonation tactics.

Read More →
Hands holding several potatoes beneath the headline "What's Your Fleet Potato?" illustrating how simple, unexpected ideas can create meaningful impact in fleet management.
OperationsJune 5, 2026

What Does a Potato Have to Do with Leadership?

From simple process improvements and creative problem-solving to the little moments that strengthen team culture, this conversation dives into the power of unexpected ideas and why innovation doesn't always arrive wrapped in new technology or a major initiative.

Read More →
Podcast mic with LISTEN TODAY! and Truck Chat logo, as well as iHeart Radio, Spotify, and Apple Music Logos
Operationsby Lauren FletcherJune 5, 2026

Looking for a New Podcast for the Road? Start Here!

Looking for a new podcast? Truck Chat delivers fleet leadership insights, industry deep dives, AI discussions, innovations, and real-world stories.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage of WTX Work Truck eXchange: fleet managers networking, learning sessions, and supplier meetings. Text reads “Hosted. Curated. Fleet-Focused.” Apply for Sept 23–25, 2026 in Scottsdale, AZ.
Operationsby Lauren FletcherJune 4, 2026

WTX Fleet Manager Applications Close Soon (and Yes, You Want In)

WTX Fleet Manager Applications close soon for the hosted Work Truck Exchange, Sept. 23-25, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Limited spots available, apply today!

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail for Work Truck’s Truck Chat series. Large headline text on the left reads “AT THE SHOW” with a subheadline, “Reimbursement: Fleets Biggest Blindspot.” On the right, a man in a gray plaid blazer and white shirt speaks while gesturing with his hand, wearing a wireless microphone clipped to his jacket.
Operationsby Lauren FletcherJune 4, 2026

Did You Know What You Don't See May Be Costing You Big?

As more employees choose personal vehicles (including hybrids and EVs) for business use, companies face new challenges around visibility, insurance, liability, and cost control.

Read More →
Square promotional graphic for Shades of Fleet featuring host Lauren Fletcher against an American flag background. Bold text reads "Veteran Voices" and "From Military Service to Fleet Leadership." The image promotes a conversation with fleet professionals about military experience, leadership, teamwork, and transitioning into civilian fleet careers.
OperationsJune 3, 2026

Veteran Voices in Fleet | How Military Service Shapes Fleet Leaders

Across every perspective, one message is clear: the experiences gained through military service continue to influence how veterans contribute to the fleet industry every day.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage-style feature image of fleet industry veteran Robert Martinez throughout different stages of his life and career, including vintage motorcycle photos, NYPD fleet operations, leadership roles, family moments, and retirement years, with bold text reading “Robert Martinez: Fleet Legend.”
Operationsby Lauren FletcherJune 2, 2026

The Fleet Lessons That Don’t Show Up on a Spreadsheet

From index cards to predictive maintenance, Robert Martinez shares the hard-earned leadership lessons that shaped nearly 40 years in fleet.

Read More →