What DOT checks during  roadside inspection?

During a roadside inspection, officers typically request:

• Records of Duty Status (RODS) for the current day
• Logs for the previous 7 days
• Hours of Service (HOS) violations
• Unassigned driving time
• Malfunction or data diagnostic records
• ELD data transfer capability

If your ELD is not FMCSA-registered, the driver is not authenticated, or logs cannot be transferred properly, violations are likely.

Common reasons carriers receive ELD violations

Even with an installed ELD system, small fleets often face penalties due to:

^{1. HOS violations}

Incorrect status changes, exceeding 11/14-hour limits, or missing required breaks.

^{2. Unassigned driving time}

When vehicle movement is recorded but not assigned to a driver, it raises red flags during inspections.

^{3. Unconfirmed log edits}

Editing logs without proper annotations is a common compliance issue.

^{4. Improper data transfer}

If drivers cannot quickly provide logs during inspection, the process becomes longer and more complicated.

How Unity ELD helps maintain FMCSA compliance

Unity ELD is designed specifically for small and mid-sized fleets.

 ^{FMCSA-registered and compliant}

Unity ELD meets federal ELD requirements and supports full compliance.

 ^{Real-time HOS monitoring}

Drivers and fleet managers can see potential violations before they become inspection issues.

 ^{Unassigned driving management}

Dispatchers can quickly assign or reject unassigned time with proper documentation.

 ^{Dedicated inspection mode}

Unity ELD includes an inspection mode that allows drivers to transfer logs securely and quickly to DOT officers.

 ^{Malfunction alerts}

Both drivers and managers receive system notifications with guidance on required next steps.

Pre-trip DOT compliance checklist

Before dispatch, make sure:

• The driver is logged into Unity ELD
• The correct vehicle/unit ID is selected
• Current-day logs are accurate
• Unassigned driving time is resolved
• No active ELD malfunctions remain
• Data transfer functionality is verified

Performing this quick daily check significantly reduces the risk of violations and out-of-service orders.

Why choosing right ELD matters for small fleets

FMCSA enforcement continues to tighten in 2026. Choosing the wrong ELD solution can lead to:

• Costly fines
• Increased CSA scores
• Lost freight contracts
• Higher insurance premiums

Unity ELD helps small carriers go beyond basic compliance. It provides structured log management, HOS visibility, and real-time compliance control - all without unnecessary enterprise complexity.

Conclusion

DOT inspections are part of doing business in the U.S. trucking industry. With the right ELD system and daily log management discipline, inspections can be routine instead of stressful.

Unity ELD helps small fleets stay compliant, manage Hours of Service, and be inspection-ready every day.