Which rule states that injuries sustained while commuting are not compensable unless exceptions apply?

• A. Coming and going rule
• B. Special Mission Exception
• C. Commercial traveler rule
• D. Personal risk

Answer: (A)

In California workers’ compensation, injuries that happen on the way to or from work are generally not compensable. This is known as the coming and going rule. The idea is that ordinary commuting is a personal risk rather than a work-related one, unless there are circumstances that make the trip part of the job. There are exceptions to this rule, such as the Special Mission Exception, which covers cases where the trip is undertaken for the employer’s business or under employer direction and becomes compensable. So the statement described in the question is best matched by the coming and going rule, with exceptions like the Special Mission Exception applying in specific situations. The other options refer to related but different travel concepts and do not state the basic rule about commuting injuries.