# Specify rule validity times

You can specify when Access rules, inspection Exception rules, and rules in Alert policies are enforced.

##

You specify rule validity times using Rule Validity Time elements. Rule Validity Time elements allow you to:

- Specify when each rule starts being enforced, and when each rule automatically expires.

  When a rule automatically expires, traffic can no longer match the rule. The rule is disabled, but it is still shown in the policy. If you do not specify when a rule expires, the rule never expires.

- Specify when each rule is active.

  For example, you might create a rule that allows access only during business hours on weekdays. If you do not specify when a rule is active, the rule is always active.

You can use the same Rule Validity Time element in multiple rules and policies.

For more details about the product and how to configure features, click Help or press F1.

## Steps

1. Select Engine.
2. Browse to Other Elements > Rule Validity Time.
3. Right-click Rule Validity Time, then select New Rule Validity Time.
4. Configure the settings, then click OK.
5. Drag and drop the Rule Validity Time element to the Time cell in a rule.

## Rule Validity Time Properties dialog box

Use this dialog box to create and modify Rule Validity Time elements.

Option | Definition
--- | ---
Name | The name of the element.
Time Zone | UTC — When selected, the times are specified in UTC time. Note: UTC time does not adjust for Daylight Saving Time (summer time). Engine Local Time — When selected, the times are specified in the local time zone of the Security Engine.
Enable Starting From (Optional) | The date when the rule starts being enforced. By default, the rule is enforced starting from the next policy installation.
Automatically Disable (Optional) | The date when the rule automatically expires. When a rule automatically expires, traffic can no longer match the rule. By default, the rule never expires.
Active | Specifies when the rule is active: Always — The rule is always active. Between These Times of the Day — The rule is active between the times specified in the Start Time and End Time fields. On These Days of the Week — The rule is active on the selected days of the week between the times specified in the Start Time and End Time fields. On These Days of the Month — The rule is active on the selected days of the month between the times specified in the Start Time and End Time fields. On These Dates of the Year — The rule is active on the specified dates of the year between the times specified in the Start Time and End Time fields.
Start | (When On These Dates of the Year is selected) The date on which the rule becomes active.
End | (When On These Dates of the Year is selected) The date on which the rule stops being active.
Start Time | (Either Start Time or End Time is required when Between These Times of the Day is selected. Optional for all other selections.) The time of day when the rule becomes active.
End Time | (Either Start Time or End Time is required when Between These Times of the Day is selected. Optional for all other selections.) The time of day when the rule stops being active.
Comment (Optional) | A comment for your own reference.