Understanding the 16-Hour Short Haul Exemption

EBRUARY 22, 2018 – If you’re a short-haul driver who typically reports back to the same work location each day, you might be able to take advantage of the 16-hour short haul exemption – a FMCSA hours of service exemption that allows short-haul drivers to extend their 14 hour driving window by two additional hours once a week. This exemption doesn’t extend your 11 hour daily driving limit, but does provide you with up to 16 hours to complete your workday.

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Here’s what you need to know about using this exemption so that you can ensure you’re fully compliant with your hours of service regulations:

1. You must return to your work reporting location on the days you claim the exemption, as well as for your previous five work days.
2. You must be released from duty within 16 hours.
3. You can only use this exemption once in any consecutive 7-day period unless you’ve taken a 34-hour restart since your last 16-hour shift.
4. You cannot use this exemption if you qualify for the non-CDL short-haul exemption. This exemption is available to non-CDL drivers who stay within 150 air miles. Those who qualify can take up to two 16 hour shifts per week and aren’t required to keep logs.

Keep in mind, this exemption doesn’t otherwise change your DOT hours of service requirements. You must still adhere to your weekly limit of 60/70 on-duty hours, as well as take a 30-minute break during each shift.