ELD special driving category
Yard Move Rules for ELD Drivers
Yard Move (YM) is designed to identify certain authorized vehicle movements performed while the driver is on duty. It is not an off-duty status and it is not a way to erase automatically recorded driving after the fact.
The most important recording rule
When the carrier has enabled Yard Move, the driver should select the YM special category before the qualifying movement. If the driver forgets, FMCSA says the automatically generated driving event cannot later be shortened by converting it to YM; the driver can annotate the record to identify the intended period.
How Yard Move appears on an ELD
Driver is on duty
YM is associated with work activity and on-duty not driving status, not personal off-duty use.
Carrier authorizes the category
Availability depends on carrier configuration and policy. The ELD may display a YM option only for authorized driver accounts.
Record the reason
Use clear remarks or annotations when required so the purpose and circumstances of the movement are understandable.
When should a driver consider Yard Move?
The category is intended for appropriate on-duty movements in a yard or similar work environment when authorized by the carrier. Because FMCSA does not turn every short movement into a Yard Move automatically, drivers should not rely on distance alone.
Before selecting YM, confirm:
Yard Move vs. Personal Conveyance
Yard Move FAQ
What duty status is Yard Move?
Yard Move is a special driving category associated with on-duty not driving time rather than off-duty personal use.
Can a driver change normal driving to Yard Move later?
No. FMCSA guidance says automatically generated driving cannot later be shortened by changing it to Yard Move. If the driver forgot to select YM, the driver can annotate the record identifying the intended start and end.
Does every short truck movement qualify as Yard Move?
No. A short distance alone does not determine eligibility. The carrier's policy, the location, and the work being performed matter. Drivers should use YM only when authorized and appropriate for the actual movement.
Can a carrier disable Yard Move?
The ELD special driving categories depend on carrier configuration and authorization. Drivers should follow the carrier's written policy and ELD setup.