Feature	Motive Best for Owner-Ops	Samsara	J.J. Keller	Verizon Connect
Starting Price	$20/mo	Custom quote	$25/mo	$35/mo
FMCSA Registered	✅	✅	✅	✅
Hardware Cost	Free (lease)	~$99–$249	~$150	~$99
Self-Install	✅	✅	✅	❌
Fleet Dashboard	✅	✅	✅	✅
IFTA Reporting	✅	✅	✅	✅
AI Dash Cam	Add-on	Included	❌	Add-on
Best For	Owner-ops & 1–20 trucks	Fleets 10–500+	Compliance-focused	Enterprise fleets

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ELD Exemptions Explained

You may not need an ELD at all. Here are the FMCSA’s official exemption categories.

🚜 Short-Haul Exemption

Drivers operating within a 150 air-mile radius and returning to the same reporting location each day may use paper logs instead of an ELD.

🌽 Agricultural Exemption

Drivers transporting agricultural commodities are exempt within a 150 air-mile radius of the source during planting and harvest seasons.

🔧 Driveaway-Towaway

If the vehicle being driven is itself the commodity (e.g., empty vehicle transport), the driver may use paper logs instead of an ELD.

📅 Pre-2000 Engine Exemption

Vehicles with engines manufactured before model year 2000 are exempt from the ELD mandate due to diagnostic port compatibility issues.

📋 8-Day Exemption

Drivers who use paper logs no more than 8 days out of any 30-day period are not required to use an ELD during those logged days.

🚚 Hotshot / GVWR

Hotshot truckers with a GVWR under 10,001 lbs are generally exempt. Confirm your specific setup against FMCSA rules to be certain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions truckers ask most.

What is the cheapest FMCSA-approved ELD in 2025? ▾

The most affordable FMCSA-approved ELDs start around $19–$25/month with no hardware cost. BigRoad offers a free tier for low-usage drivers. Motive and Simco ELD are both excellent budget options with all required compliance features included.

Do hotshot truckers need an ELD? ▾

It depends on your setup. If your vehicle has a GVWR over 10,001 lbs and you operate in interstate commerce, you likely need an ELD. Many hotshot drivers using gooseneck trailers under 26,001 lbs combined fall into exempt categories. Always confirm with your carrier or an FMCSA compliance consultant.

Is Motive better than Samsara for a single-truck owner-operator? ▾

For most owner-operators, Motive is the better choice. It’s easier to self-install, starts at $20/month, and doesn’t require a sales call to get pricing. Samsara shines for growing fleets that need advanced analytics and integrations, but is often overkill for solo drivers.

Can I get an ELD exemption if I stay within 150 miles of my home base? ▾

Yes — the short-haul exemption allows drivers who operate within a 150 air-mile radius and return to their home terminal each day to use time records instead of an ELD. You must still keep accurate records and be available for DOT inspection.

What happens if I get caught without an ELD during a DOT inspection? ▾

Operating without a required ELD is a federal violation. Penalties can include an out-of-service order, fines up to $16,000 per violation, and points against your CSA safety score. Budget ELDs start under $25/month — it’s not worth the risk.

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Affiliate Disclosure: CDLJobRadar earns a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — we only recommend products we’d genuinely suggest to a fellow trucker. Pricing is verified at time of publishing and subject to change. Always confirm compliance requirements with FMCSA.gov or a qualified transportation attorney.