Understanding the 16-Hour Short-Haul Exception: A Guide for Short-Haul Drivers and Companies

The 16-hour short-haul exception is a valuable tool for short-haul drivers and trucking companies, providing limited but crucial flexibility in daily operations. However, understanding its proper application, limitations, and compliance requirements is essential for avoiding violations.

For short-haul drivers and the companies they work for, understanding the 16-hour short-haul exception is crucial to maximizing efficiency while staying compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).

This exception, found in Section 395.1(o), allows qualifying drivers to extend their 14-hour on-duty limit to 16 hours under specific circumstances.

Here’s everything you need to know about this rule and how it applies to short-haul trucking operations.

What is the 16-Hour Short-Haul Exception?

The 16-hour short-haul exception permits drivers to extend their on-duty window from 14 hours to 16 hours once every seven consecutive days, as long as certain conditions are met.

It does not extend the maximum allowable driving time, which remains capped at 11 hours.

Conditions for Using the Exception

To qualify for the 16-hour exception, drivers must meet all of the following conditions:

• Return to the same work-reporting location: The driver must start and end their workday at the same terminal or reporting location for the day in question, as well as for the previous five duty tours.
• Be released from duty within 16 hours: The driver must complete all work activities and be off-duty within 16 hours of coming on duty.
• Not have used the exception in the past six consecutive days: This exception can only be utilized once every seven consecutive days unless the driver completes a 34-hour restart.
• Cannot qualify for the Non-CDL Short-Haul Exception: Drivers using the Non-CDL Short-Haul Exception are ineligible for the 16-hour rule.

Why This Exception Matters

By ensuring drivers qualify for and correctly use this exception, companies can optimize efficiency while maintaining FMCSA compliance.

The 16-hour exception can be especially useful when unforeseen delays occur, such as extended wait times at a shipper’s or receiver’s facility.

In such cases, this provision allows drivers to legally finish their workday without violating their hours-of-service (HOS) limits. However, it is important to note that this exception cannot be used in conjunction with the Adverse Driving Conditions Exception.

Related: False Logs Still Top Out-Of-Service Driver Violations

Limitations to Keep in Mind

While the 16-hour short-haul exception can provide much-needed flexibility, it does come with certain restrictions:

• It can only be used once every seven days, unless the driver undergoes a 34-hour restart.
• Driving time remains capped at 11 hours within the extended 16-hour window.
• It is not applicable if the driver has taken an overnight layover on the day they wish to use it.
• The exception does not allow combining with the Adverse Driving Conditions Exception, meaning drivers cannot extend their day further due to unexpected weather or road conditions.

Compliance and Record-Keeping

To remain compliant with FMCSA regulations, carriers and drivers must carefully document their use of the 16-hour short-haul exception.

Logging the extended duty period properly and ensuring that all qualifications are met will help prevent violations during audits or roadside inspections.

Truck drivers and fleet managers need continuous training on new FMCSA rules

We get it, hours-of-service rules and their exemptions can be complicated. This is why it is important for fleets to offers a variety of in-person and online training courses for the specific needs or weaknesses of your company or its’ drivers.

Fleets that incorporate training alongside driver qualification, drug testing and fuel tax management can create a complete picture of fleet safety.

Our complete DOT Compliance Programs promotes proactive safety and will complement or become your current safety department, without the cost of employing the many staff members it takes to run an effective safety program.