Understanding the 150 air mile exemption: A fleet manager’s comprehensive guide

Navigating hours of service rules can be challenging when your fleet runs short-haul or local routes. But if your drivers primarily stay within a limited radius, the 150 air mile exemption might be the key to a more streamlined hours of service (HOS) process. By eliminating the need for traditional logs and electronic logging devices (ELDs), you can devote more energy to improving driver safety and managing day-to-day operations instead of manually working through paperwork.

This exemption is especially important for fleets looking to reduce compliance costs without compromising safety. In this guide, we break down how the 150 air mile exemption works, whether your fleet qualifies, and how Samsara can help you ensure DOT compliance.

What is the 150 air mile exemption?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the 150 air mile exemption allows eligible commercial drivers license (CDL) operators to remain exempt from certain hours of service recordkeeping requirements—specifically, the need to maintain a traditional record of duty status (RODS) or use an ELD when certain conditions are met. 150 air miles translate to about 172.6 road miles, which is a crucial distinction when you’re mapping out your service area and deciding who qualifies for the short haul ELD exemption.

Many fleets operating commercial motor vehicles (CMV) rely on a 150 air mile radius map to ensure they do not exceed that straight-line distance. If your drivers stay within this radius and return to their original reporting location within 14 consecutive hours, you could drastically reduce administrative tasks by leveraging this DOT 150 air mile exemption. Additionally, it helps smaller fleet operators focus on running a productive business without being overwhelmed by logging requirements.

Recent updates to the 150 air mile exemption and hours of service regulations

In the past few years, the FMCSA has introduced regulatory updates that expanded short-haul radius definitions to include the 150 air mile rule for CDL drivers. On September 29, 2020, the FMCSA expanded allowable short-haul radius limits from 100 to 150 air miles, opening the door for more carriers to operate under the short haul ELD exemption. 

By raising the threshold from 100 to 150 air miles, the FMCSA recognized the changing nature of short-haul deliveries and regional trucking. This adjustment allows more fleets, particularly truckers that operate day-cab vehicles or have drivers returning to the same location, to apply these streamlined logging requirements. If you operate near the 150 air mile boundary, new developments could impact how you schedule driver rosters or plan routes. 

Eligibility, recordkeeping, and ELD requirements for the 150 air mile rule

The 150 air mile exemption provides short-haul fleets with valuable flexibility under FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. By understanding the ELD requirements for who qualifies, what records are required, and how to maintain compliance, fleets can streamline operations and avoid unnecessary violations.

Who is eligible for the 150 air mile exemption?

• According to FMCA filings, the DOT 150 air mile rule allows eligible short-haul drivers to use a simple time record instead of a detailed electronic logging device (ELD).

• Drivers must operate within a 150 air mile radius from their starting location.

• The driver must return to the same reporting location and be off duty within 14 consecutive hours of driving time.

Who qualifies for the 150 air mile exemptions?

To be exempt from ELD logging, non-CDL drivers must meet all of the following conditions:

• Start and end their shift at the same reporting location

• Record their start time, end time, and total hours worked each day

• Operate only in states that do not require a CDL for their vehicle type

• Stay within a 150 air-mile radius from their work reporting location

For CDL drivers, the criteria differ slightly. The exemption applies for CDL drivers if they:

• Operate within a 100 air-mile radius from their starting point

• Have at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before beginning a new shift

• Start and return to the same work reporting location

• Complete all work within a 12-hour duty period

What recordkeeping is required for the 150 air mile rule?

• While the 150 air mile rule removes the need for detailed ELD logbooks, drivers and carriers must still maintain daily time records.

• These ELD records must include start time, end time, and total hours on duty.

• Records must be retained for at least six months and made available during a DOT audit.

How to confirm the 150 air mile radius

• The 150 air mile driving limit is based on straight-line (air mile) distance from the driver’s reporting location, not road miles.

• Fleets typically use fleet management technology with GPS tracking capabilities or a dedicated 150 air mile radius map tool to confirm route eligibility.

• If a driver travels beyond the 150 air mile radius—even once—they must follow full hours-of-service requirements and log that shift using an ELD or paper log.

Do you need an ELD under the short-haul exemption?

• If all conditions of the exemption are met, including staying within the air mile limit and completing the shift within 14 hours, an ELD is not required.

• Crossing the 150 air mile boundary or failing to return within the required timeframe triggers standard ELD and HOS compliance for that day.

• While an ELD is not mandatory if fleets stay within driving limits, fleet management technology with ELD compliance tracking functionality can significantly improve operational efficiency.

How Samsara helps you maintain ELD compliance

For short-haul and long-haul commercial fleets of various industries, Samsara’s ELD solution can help maintain compliance to the 150 air mile exemption and other complex regulations. Samsara’s ELD solution is FMCSA-registered and third-party certified, making it possible for organizations to improve compliance, safety, and efficiency. Some key benefits include:

• Simplify the driver experience with intuitive tools to stay safe and compliant.

• Save time and prevent HOS violations with real-time insights and automated workflows.

• Deploy ELD technology more easily and quickly with lower costs and more flexibility.

To learn more about how Samsara can help you remain compliant, explore our ELD compliance solution and reach out to our team today.