Outside sales rep in CA, am I entitled to mileage from my home to my first customer or is this considered commute time?

Question

My employer currently reimburses mileage from my home, but would like to revise the policy to mileage paid from first customer and on. The thought process being that office employees are not paid mileage to come to work.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

As an outside sales representative in California, your mileage reimbursement policy is a significant concern. California labor laws typically mandate that employees be reimbursed for all necessary expenses incurred as part of their job duties. This generally includes mileage from your home to your first customer and from your last customer back to your home, as your home is considered your primary place of business. 
 
Your employer's intention to change the policy to only reimburse mileage from the first customer onwards may not align with these legal requirements. Comparing outside sales roles to office employees may not be appropriate, as the nature of the job differs significantly. Office employees commute to a single workplace, whereas outside sales reps travel to multiple locations as part of their daily responsibilities. 
 
It would be advisable to discuss this with your employer, pointing out the legal perspective and how it impacts your work. Ensuring that you are fairly compensated for your travel expenses is crucial for maintaining your job efficiency and satisfaction. If needed, seeking further clarification from a legal professional or consulting the California Department of Industrial Relations might provide additional guidance.

Q: Outside sales rep in CA, am I entitled to mileage from my home to my first customer or is this considered commute time?