5 MPH Motion Detection Threshold

Technology Detail

Timeero and advanced mileage tracking apps use motion detection to distinguish between actual driving and other movements, typically only counting mileage when the device reaches driving speed of approximately 5+ mph.

Why This Matters

Accuracy Problem:

• GPS tracks all movement, not just driving
• Walking around construction sites registers as location changes
• Movement between equipment or within facilities
• Carrying mobile devices while on foot

5 MPH Solution:

• Average walking speed: 3-4 mph
• Driving typically begins above 5 mph
• Clear threshold between modes of transport
• Eliminates false mileage from foot traffic

Implementation

How It Works:

1. GPS tracks all location changes
2. Speed calculated between position updates
3. Only movement above 5 mph threshold counts as mileage
4. Walking, standing, and slow movement filtered out
5. Resulting log shows only actual driving distances

Benefits:

• More accurate reimbursement calculations
• Fair compensation for actual vehicle use
• Eliminates disputes over mileage accuracy
• IRS-compliant documentation
• Reduces fraudulent mileage claims

Industry Applications

Construction:

• Workers walk extensively on large job sites
• Need to distinguish driving between sites from on-site movement
• Equipment operators moving within project boundaries

Field Service:

• Technicians walk to/from customer buildings
• Movement within parking lots and facilities
• Short trips between nearby locations

Delivery Services:

• Last-mile walking to delivery points
• Warehouse floor movement
• Loading dock activity

Additional Filtering

Sophisticated Systems Also:

• Filter GPS signal drift (device shows movement while stationary)
• Eliminate parking lot circling from totals
• Distinguish idling from actual travel
• Account for traffic stopping and starting
• Separate personal from business mileage based on geofencing

Compliance Value

IRS Requirements:

• Accurate mileage logs required for deductions
• Business vs. personal use must be documented
• 5 MPH filtering provides defensible methodology
• Audit-ready records with clear logic

Cost Control:

• Prevents over-reimbursement from inflated mileage
• Ensures employees aren't shortchanged
• Transparent calculation methodology
• Automated accuracy reduces manual review

2026 Context

As more work becomes field-based and GPS tracking ubiquitous, intelligent filtering like 5 MPH thresholds represents evolution from simple location tracking to smart mileage calculation that reflects actual transportation costs.