--- title: "How to set up rules and constraints" description: "Learn how to enable or disable route rules like shift times, delivery windows, and vehicle capacities." url: https://help.routific.com/en/articles/47-how-to-set-up-rules-and-constraints collection: "Route planning" updated: 2026-11-02 language: en --- # How to set up rules and constraints Learn how to enable or disable route rules like shift times, delivery windows, and vehicle capacities. Sometimes you need to bend the rules.  On busy days, you might log a little driver overtime, squeeze in a few extra packages, or deliver just outside the promised time window. That flexibility can make all the difference. These settings put you in control. Instead of rigid rules slowing you down, you choose how Routific responds. ## Where to find your workspace preferences Click the slider icon on the left to access your **Route preferences** Click **Optimization preferences** ![Routes screen for Sun, Nov 15 shows numbered routes across Vancouver; a red circle highlights the sliders icon in the left sidebar. Visible: Routes, Sun, Nov 15, Route preferences, West Vancouver, Outer Vancouver Harbour, Vancouver.](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/KE1g2xlKPsvfT80FzZ3QYHN3uX0z4oRgMnQmBakdKkB3Fx7Yf4huT8a45Mid53cJwTrt7VNRGTU.png) ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/9VZPGYyGgGi6p4Y4btjtmktaBTeGY6GTN38La7v8lFl4bSPi32uKf7l82X494OE1gzoIp7r3K5X.png) ## Our Constraints Let’s take a closer look at those rules or constraints we’ve set up: - **Flexible start time**: Allow drivers to delay departures to minimize working time. - **Time windows**: Allow deliveries to be a bit late, or enforce strict time-windows. - **Shift times**: Allow drivers to work overtime, or stop exactly at the end of their shift. - **Capacities**: Allow loads to go over route limits, or enforce strictly. ## **When constraints are violated** When you allow Routific to break a rule you set—such as route shift time, route capacity, or delivery time windows—we’ll flag it so you’re aware. - **Learn how to set route capacities and route shift times** [**here**](https://help.routific.com/en/articles/9-what-are-route-templates.md)**.** - **Learn about delivery time windows** [**here**](https://help.routific.com/en/articles/62-what-are-time-windows.md)**.**

Constraint

What you’ll see

Flexible start time

Flexible start time may result in your driver starting later than their starting shift time. Routific automatically calculates the best start time for each route — minimizing idle time instead of locking drivers into a fixed shift start time.

Route capacity

If the vehicle is overcapacity:

  • a yellow ring will appear around the package icon (capacity)

These indicators will appear both in the Timeline and in the right-hand list view route panel.

Route shift time

If the route’s shift time is exceeded:

  • a yellow ring will appear around the clock (time). These indicators will appear both in the Timeline and in the right-hand list view route panel.

Delivery time window

If an order will be delivered outside the planned time window:

  • a yellow triangle icon will appear in the timeline

  • a yellow triangle will also appear next to the order name in the right-hand list view route panel.