How to Fill Out a Commercial Driver's Log Book in Ontario

It is vitally important that commercial drivers maintain accurate records.

In the province of Ontario, operating a commercial truck, van, tractor or bus that weighs over 4,5000 kg (9,920 lbs.) with the purpose of transporting goods or more than 10 people requires drivers to fill out and maintain logbooks in compliance with Ontario's Highway Traffic Act. Each log sheet must contain entries for all off and on duty activities including driving, non-driving and sleeping for a 24-hour period.

Things You'll Need

• 24-hour grid log sheets (provided by operator of office location)

Instructions

1. Enter the following information into each individual log sheet: driver and co-driver's signatures, date and starting time for 24-hour period, the driver's operator's name and office address, license plate or unit number of vehicle and any attached trailer, beginning odometer reading for the day, total distance driven in 24-hour period, total time in each status (such as driving or non-driving) and location of each duty status change.

2. Assemble and file receipts (lodging and fuel), bills of lading and shipping documents as they correspond to each log sheet.

3. Submit completed logbook and all accompanying documentation to the operator within 20 days.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep blank log sheets with you in case a law enforcement officer requests one; by law, you are expected to create a copy upon request.

• An automatic on-board activity-tracking device is acceptable to log driver activity, as long as it can time-stamp and record vehicle movements and duty status with changes, and indicate whether the device was compromised or rendered inoperable.

References

• HortTrades.com: MTO -- Hours of Work:

Resources

• ServiceOntario.ca: Highway Traffic Act: