California ELD and Hours of Service Rules for Intrastate Trucks
Rules, prices and device details on this page were checked October 2026 against the official sources listed at the bottom. Where a provider doesn't publish a number, we say so instead of guessing.
California runs its own trucking rules for carriers that stay inside the state, and they don't match the federal rules line for line. The ELD requirement came later, the daily driving limit is higher, and the weekly limit is built differently. Here's what intrastate carriers need to know, based on Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, sections 1212, 1212.5 and 1213, checked October 2026.
Who Must Use an ELD in California
Under 13 CCR 1213(a)(1), starting January 1, 2024, motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles in California must install ELDs and require drivers to use them to record their records of duty status. The devices must meet section 1213.3, which ties them to the federal ELD technical standard. In practice, that means you pick from the FMCSA registered ELD list.
The rule covers intrastate carriers whose drivers have to keep a record of duty status. Interstate carriers and drivers hauling hazardous substances or hazardous waste already follow the federal rules in 49 CFR Part 395, as 1212.5(b) spells out.
Several providers support California's intrastate ruleset. Zonar, for example, notes the California requirement on its ELD page. Before you buy, confirm that the app has a California intrastate ruleset and not just federal rules.
Intrastate HOS Limits
Here's how California's intrastate truck driver rules compare with federal property carrier rules.
| Rule | California intrastate truck drivers | Federal (FMCSA) |
|---|---|---|
| Driving limit | 12 hours after 10 consecutive hours off | 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off |
| On duty window | No driving after the 16th hour after coming on duty | No driving after the 14th hour |
| Weekly limit | 80 hours in any 8 consecutive days | 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days |
| Restart | 34 or more consecutive hours off | 34 consecutive hours off |
| Tank vehicles over 500 gallons hauling flammable liquid | 10 hours of driving | 11 hours |
12 Hour Driving Limit
The extra hour of driving is the headline difference, but the 16 hour window matters just as much. A California intrastate driver can come on duty at 5 a.m. and drive until 9 p.m., as long as total driving stays at or under 12 hours. That flexibility suits local delivery and construction work with long days and lots of waiting. Just remember it only applies while you're operating intrastate. Cross the state line or haul for an interstate move, and federal limits apply.
Under 1212(b), drivers who run into adverse driving conditions can drive up to 2 extra hours to finish the run or reach a safe place, but truck drivers can't exceed 14 hours of driving, or drive after the end of the 16th hour.
Exemptions
California has several ELD and log exceptions. Under 1213(a)(3), you don't need an ELD (but may still need paper logs) if:
- You need a record of duty status on no more than 8 days in any 30 day period
- You're in a driveaway towaway operation where the vehicle you're driving is the shipment
- The vehicle was manufactured before model year 2000, as shown by the VIN and the registration
- FMCSA guidance, a waiver or an exemption specifically exempts the carrier, driver or vehicle from using an ELD
100 air mile radius
Under 1212(e), a driver doesn't need a log at all if they stay within 100 air miles of their normal work reporting location, return and are released within 12 consecutive hours, and get at least 10 consecutive hours off between work periods. The carrier must keep time records for 6 months showing start time, end time, total on duty hours and the prior 7 days for new or intermittent drivers. Note the differences from the federal short haul rule, which allows 150 air miles and 14 hours. See our short haul exemption guide for the federal version.
Farm Vehicles
Drivers carrying farm products from the field to the first point of processing or packing get their own limits under 1212(k): no more than 12 hours of driving after 8 consecutive hours off, no driving after 16 hours on duty, and a limit of 112 hours on duty in any 8 consecutive days. For certain special situation farm products and pasture to pasture livestock moves, the 8 day limit can be waived for up to 28 days a year. These drivers still keep a record of duty status.
Other exceptions
- Utility service vehicles are exempt from the 1212.5 limits, per 1212(i).
- Construction materials and equipment drivers working within 50 miles of their reporting location can reset their 8 day total with 24 consecutive hours off, under 1212(m).
- Oilfield operations can reset the 8 day period with 24 hours off, under 1212(d).
- Retail store deliveries within 100 air miles from December 10 to 25 are exempt from the 1212.5(a) limits, under 1212(f).
- Driver salespeople who drive no more than 40 hours in 7 days are exempt from the 80 hour rule.
Enforcement
The California Highway Patrol enforces these rules through its Commercial Vehicle Section.
CHP Inspections
CHP officers inspect trucks at scales and on the road, and they also inspect carriers through terminal inspections. Under 1213(a), records of duty status must be presented immediately when an authorized CHP employee or a regularly employed police officer or deputy sheriff asks. Failing to complete or falsifying records makes the driver and the carrier liable to prosecution, per 1213(f).
California doesn't publish a separate ELD fine table on the CHP pages we checked. Penalties come from the state vehicle code and court process, so we won't guess a number. If you run interstate, federal penalties apply too. See our guide to ELD violation fines.
Compliance Tips for California Carriers
- Confirm your ELD has the California intrastate ruleset and that drivers select it.
- Switch rulesets for any interstate load, including intrastate legs of interstate shipments.
- Keep the in cab packet complete: transfer instructions, malfunction instructions and blank logs.
- Track who qualifies for the 100 air mile exception every day, and keep time records for 6 months.
- Train dispatchers on the 12 and 16 hour limits so they don't plan loads around federal numbers.
Running in Texas too? Read our Texas ELD rules guide, or see the federal basics in our ELD mandate guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did ELDs become mandatory for California intrastate carriers?
January 1, 2024, under 13 CCR 1213(a)(1).
How many hours can a California intrastate truck driver drive?
12 hours after 10 consecutive hours off, with no driving after the 16th hour after coming on duty, and an 80 hour limit in 8 consecutive days.
Is there a short haul exemption in California?
Yes. Drivers within a 100 air mile radius who are released within 12 hours and meet the other 1212(e) conditions do not need a log, but the carrier must keep time records for 6 months.
Do pre 2000 trucks need an ELD in California?
No. Vehicles manufactured before model year 2000, as shown by the VIN and registration, are exempt from the ELD requirement, though drivers may still need paper logs.
Sources
All prices, terms and registration details were checked October 2026 on the pages below. Providers change pricing often, so confirm before you buy.