Fleet Driver Rules

In addition to the rules that are posted on the Driver Credentialing Form, we require the following rules for fleet drivers must be adhered to at all times. Failure to adhere to driver rules may lead to a driver losing their privileges for driving college vehicles.

General Rules

  • Speeding: For the safety of all vehicles on the road, and for the safety of the driver and passengers in college vehicles, speeding in vehicles is specifically prohibited. Should a fleet driver be found to have been operating above the speed limit, that driver may be subject to disciplinary action, including having their Fleet privileges suspended for a minimum of one semester.
  • Drivers may not authorize an unapproved person to drive. If more than one person is going to drive the vehicle, they must submit a driver application and be approved. All drivers must be listed on the trip sheet. The use of an unauthorized driver will result in the loss of departmental or organization privileges.
  • The driver and all passengers must use seat belts before the vehicle is put in motion. The driver is responsible to see this is done. The driver must refuse to take any passengers who refuse to cooperate and may not operate the vehicle if passengers do not have seat belts engaged. Drivers may not overload the vehicle. Each passenger must be in a seat with a seat belt.
  • Drivers may not consume alcohol or drugs at least twenty-four hours prior to operating a fleet vehicle. Any driver found operating a college vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including medications that would impair the driver) during the course of their driving or working hours may be criminally prosecuted and are subject to college disciplinary proceedings which may result in sanctions up to and including discharge from employment or suspension from the college.
  • Drivers are responsible for immediately notifying local police in the city or town where an accident occurs and then notifying the college's Public Safety and Service office. If the accident is on campus, notify Public Safety and Service only. Failure to file an accident report with the local police where the accident occurs in a timely manner or to notify Public Safety and Service can result in loss of fleet vehicle privileges for up to one year.
  • Drivers are personally responsible for traffic and parking violations. Drivers who fail to inform the Fleet Office about violations received while using a fleet vehicle may lose eligibility to operate a fleet vehicle for up to one year. Notification to the Fleet Office by anyone (local police, community members, etc.) of erratic or unsafe operation of a fleet vehicle will result in the driver's fleet privileges being suspended for a minimum of one (1) year as the first offense. If there is a second report for the same department or organization with the same offense, they will lose reservation privileges permanently.
  • Drivers are expected to call the Fleet Office (or Public Safety and Service after hours) if the department or organization cannot return on time. Penalty charges will still apply for the late return of a vehicle, however early notification of the extenuating circumstances will be considered a mitigating factor when determining any follow-up action. It will also allow for notification of any persons affected by the delayed return.
  • Drivers are responsible for returning vehicles in clean condition. Vehicles whose interiors are littered and dirty must be cleaned prior to turning in the keys. Vehicles that are left dirty will be cleaned and the department or organization that last used the vehicle will be charged.
  • Drivers are expected to clear the vehicles off of snow and ice prior to operating. Public Safety and Service does not warm up vehicles or clean them off. Drivers are also expected to plan enough time into their pre-trip schedule to allow for the inspection of the vehicle.
  • Drivers may not carry any item(s) on the vehicles roof, even in there is a roof rack on the vehicle.
  • Drivers must take a rest break of at least twenty minutes at least every two hours and may not drive for more than six hours in a 24-hour period. Groups going on long trips (over three hours one way) must have at least one relief driver; two or more relief drivers are best. Rest breaks for groups may be easily accomplished by switching between drivers every two hours
  • Drivers are responsible to be alert while driving and must rest or switch with a rested driver whenever necessary. The safety of driver and passengers must be paramount.
  • Drivers are responsible for notifying the Fleet Office immediately of any change in their license status in any state. Any driver of college vehicles that has their right to operate suspended or revoked may not drive a college vehicle under any circumstances until their right to operate is reinstated.
  • Alcoholic beverages and/or drugs may not be transported in college vehicles, unless authorized by the fleet coordinator. The driver is responsible and must refuse to take any passengers who refuse to cooperate and adhere to this policy.
  • Drivers are not authorized to use college vehicles to move equipment or other property. The vehicles are intended for the transportation of people.
  • Drivers may not operate the vehicle with anything on top/back of the vehicle or anything protruding from the vehicle window or door, unless authorized by the Fleet Coordinator.
  • Drivers are not authorized to push/tow any other vehicles or trailer without written approval from the fleet office. This includes vehicles with installed hitches.
  • No hazardous cargo is permitted in the fleet vehicles.