The original entry is always preserved. Both the original and corrected versions remain visible in the log history, making the full audit trail available during inspections.
When you edit or add to a log, the original entry is never deleted. FMCSA regulations require ELDs to preserve the complete audit trail — every version of a log entry, including all corrections, must remain accessible.
How the Audit Trail Works
When a correction is made to a log entry: - The **original record** remains in the log with its original timestamp and values. - The **corrected record** is added alongside it, showing the updated values and the time the correction was made. - A **note** (required at the time of the edit) is attached explaining the reason for the change.
Both records are visible to the driver, the fleet manager, and a DOT inspector reviewing the logs.
Why This Matters During Inspections
During a roadside inspection or audit, a DOT officer can see the full history of a log — including every edit, who made it, and when. A log with a well-documented correction (clear note, reasonable change) is far less likely to result in a violation than one that appears altered without explanation.
What a Correction Looks Like
If a driver changes a duty status from On Duty to Off Duty at a specific time, the original On Duty entry remains visible in the log alongside the corrected Off Duty entry.
For the steps to make a manual correction, see how to add a missed duty status event. For adding context to a locked auto-recorded Driving event, see how to add a note or annotation to a log event. After correcting a certified day's log, re-certify — see how to re-certify logs after an edit.