Short-Haul (150-Air-Mile) Exemption
CDL drivers operating within a 150 air-mile radius and returning to the same work-reporting location within 14 hours are exempt from ELD use and certain logbook requirements.
The rule
CDL drivers operating within a 150 air-mile radius and returning to the same work-reporting location within 14 hours are exempt from ELD use and certain logbook requirements.
How it works in practice
Your ELD tracks driving time automatically. Plan loads with this clock in mind — once it runs out, you must stop wherever you are, which can mean a parking-lot night at a truck stop.
Plan it before dispatch
Check the driver's available clocks, pickup and delivery windows, parking options, and realistic travel time before assigning a load affected by Short-Haul (150-Air-Mile) Exemption. A route that only works when every stop is perfect is not a workable plan.
Violations and records
Hours-of-service violations can lead to roadside out-of-service orders, civil penalties, and compliance scrutiny. Keep the ELD record and supporting documents accurate; do not edit logs to make a dispatch plan appear legal.
Exceptions
Short-haul, adverse-driving-conditions, sleeper-berth, and personal-conveyance provisions have specific conditions. An exception should be verified against the current rule and documented; it should not be used as extra time in an ordinary plan.
Put the guidance into your fleet workflow
Create a fleet workspace for drivers, vehicles, records, and dispatch.
Frequently asked
Does this rule apply to all commercial drivers?
It applies to property-carrying CMV drivers operating in interstate commerce. Some states adopt the federal rules for intrastate carriers too.
Where do I log this?
Drivers who are required to use an ELD should record duty status on a registered, compliant device. Limited exceptions exist; verify eligibility against current FMCSA guidance before relying on one.