Travel Time

A Travel Time policy explains when travel counts as paid working time for non-exempt employees, including travel to temporary worksites, travel between job locations during the workday, and certain overnight or out-of-town travel, while clarifying that ordinary home-to-work commuting is generally unpaid and that travel time must be accurately recorded.

How to Write a Travel Time Policy

• Start with "why" and introduce the concept.
• Define what travel time is generally unpaid (ordinary commuting).
• Explain when travel beyond a normal commute becomes paid time.
• Explain when travel between worksites during the workday is paid time.
• Explain when overnight or out-of-town travel is paid time, and separate work travel from personal time.
• State that required off-site training and special assignments typically count as paid travel time.
• Tell employees to record travel time in your timekeeping system.
• Direct employees to ask before traveling when they are unsure whether time is compensable.

For advice on writing a Travel Time policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.