Compliance: How to use HOS Exempt exemption

1. Custom Name
   Since there are various scenarios where this exemption could be used, Geotab decided to allow the carrier to create a name for this exemption for the driver facing application. Instead of a default "Exempt HOS" nomenclature, the carrier Administrator can change this, in system settings to a name of their choice. Common examples may include "Agriculture" or "Emergency". This custom name is what the driver will see in the exemption section of the Geotab Drive application.
   
   
2. Custom Short Name
   Similar to the custom name above, the carrier can also choose a 1-4 character short name (called exemption abbreviation) for the exemption as well. This short name is what appears in the drivers log inside the log type icon to the left of the log detail. Again, this is to allow drivers to be more familiar with the use of the exemption.
   
   
3. To set a custom name and short name, navigate to the Administration > System... > System settings or System > Settings option from the main menu. In the Compliance tab, in the HOS EXEMPT section, enter the values for a custom exemption name and abbreviation.
   
   Note: the Exemption abbreviation must be between 1 and 4 characters
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4. Examples of custom names and short names could include:
   1. "Agriculture Exemption" and "AG".
   2. "Emergency Exemption" and "EMRG".
      
      
5. Use a combination of naming that your drivers will recognize.
   
   
6. Enabling for drivers
   To allow a driver access to this new exemption, Navigate to the driver's HOS Settings on their User profile. There you will see a new exemption toggle called "Exempt HOS". To allow a user to use the exemption, toggle this setting to "On".
   
   Note: The custom name of the exemption is not reflected in the User setting
   
   
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7. Drivers using the Exemption in Geotab Drive
   From the HOS status page, tap "View Exemptions", then Tap the start button next/under the name of the Exemption (it will be the custom name the carrier entered above). Add a detailed annotation as to why the exemption is being used, and click Apply.
   
   When you no longer are under the exemption, navigate to the Exemptions section and press "Stop".
   
   Drivers who have access to this exemption will also see this Exempt HOS option on the availability screen during the log in process. This allows drivers to enable the exemption before they complete any required DVIR"s and remain in the exemption while they do so. For more information see the What's New in Geotab Drive 2002 blog post.
   
   
8. How does it look in the Drive App?
   Drivers using this exemption will be placed on the OFF duty line in the HOS graph, in PC status (a hashed grey/white color on the graph), just as if they are using normal Personal Conveyance. They will enter an annotation when activating the exemption. In the logs view, they will see a duty status log with an abbreviation of their carriers choice (see above), with an annotation of "Using PC while HOS Exempt:" followed by the annotation the driver entered when activating the exemption.
   
   Recall, as this feature is using the mechanism of Personal Conveyance, when viewed by a DOT official, the transfer file and compliance view will reflect the Driver using Personal Conveyance.
   
   
9. Conclusion
   This exemption should allow fleets to meet the requirements set out by the FMCSA for scenarios where the drivers are HOS exempt and should use Personal Conveyance, while making it easy for drivers to use.

Compliance: What is the new HOS Exempt exemption?