How to use Agricultural Exemption HOS
Last updated March 27, 2026
The Agricultural Exemption allows drivers transporting agricultural commodities to operate outside standard Hours of Service (HOS) rules within a limited radius. Follow the steps below to ensure proper use of this exemption in the Switchboard ELD app.
Requirements
Before using the Agricultural Exemption, make sure:
- Your country is set to the United States (US) in the app settings.
- Your driver profile/module is correctly configured.
How to Enable Agricultural Exemption
- Switch Duty Status
- Change your duty status to Off Duty in the app.
- Set Your Location
- When prompted, enter your current location.
- Operate Within the 150-Mile Radius
- As long as you remain within a 150 air-mile radius of the location you entered:
- The app will keep you in Off Duty status.
- It will not automatically switch you to Driving, even while the vehicle is in motion.
Important Notes
- There is no separate “Agriculture Cycle” to select.
- The exemption works with all US HOS cycles, provided your driver settings are correct.
- If you leave the 150-mile radius, normal HOS rules will resume, and the app may automatically update your duty status.
Best Practices
- Always verify your location entry before starting your trip.
- Monitor your distance to ensure you remain within the 150-mile exemption zone.
- Confirm your duty status regularly to avoid compliance issues.
By following these steps, you can correctly apply the Agricultural Exemption in Switchboard ELD and remain compliant with US HOS regulations.
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