Vehicle Operation Requirements

1. An employee is required to exercise the normally prudent care demanded by the road, weather, light, and all other prevailing driving conditions.


2. Drivers of motor vehicles are responsible for knowing and complying with Texas motor vehicle and driver licensing laws and rules, and operate in compliance with the common "rules of the road", regardless of whether vehicles are operated on sidewalks or roadways.


3. Drivers should conduct a pre-trip inspection on the vehicle for conditions that could cause hazardous driving, including the exterior, interior, and mechanical system.  For extensive trips or out of town destinations, an inspection form is included in Appendix A to help conduct with a more thorough inspection, including items the driver should inspect versus those that the loaning department or rental car company should inspect.  Items recommended for an Emergency Kit are also included.


4. Vehicles shall be operated in a manner that does not interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow on roadways, sidewalks, and ramps. Pedestrians shall be afforded the right-of-way and utmost courtesy at all times.


5. No employee shall operate a motor vehicle who does not have a valid Texas driver's license and who is not on the approved drivers list.  An employee must carry a valid Texas driver's license while operating a motor vehicle.


6. Commercial Driver's Licenses will be required according to the Texas Department of Public Safety for the following vehicles:​​


1. ​​​​​Has a gross combination weight or a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, including a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight or a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds
2. Has a gross vehicle weight or a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds
3. Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver
4. Is transporting hazardous materials and is required to be placarded under 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F
7. The driver and all passengers shall wear safety belts whenever operating/traveling in a motor vehicle.


8. University-owned or rented vehicles are to be used for authorized university business only.


9. Rental of 15 passenger vans are not allowed due to USDOT rollover reports and tendencies for rollovers.  Alternative rental vehicles include 15 passenger (including the driver) buses which are more stable, some of which may be available without a commercial driver's license.


10. The carrying of firearms is prohibited, with the exception of peace officers.


11. Carrying or consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs is prohibited, with the exception of peace officers transporting alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs for official business.  Employees shall adhere to Texas Department of Public Safety laws regarding alcohol consumption.


12. No employee shall operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of any drug or medication which may tend to degrade a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and prudent manner.


13. Non-university personnel shall not ride in a university-owned or rented vehicle unless the person's presence is directly related to the immediate conduct of university business or has been specifically approved by the appropriate vice president.


14. All privately-owned motor vehicles used by employees to conduct university business shall have a current motor vehicle inspection sticker, a valid license plate and shall have liability insurance in effect that meets or exceeds the minimum coverage required by state law. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to meet these state requirements.


15. The University will not pay any citations incurred by an employee.


16. Employees are responsible for the security of the vehicle while the vehicle is provided to them.


17. Pedestrians (includes those utilizing wheelchairs or other mobility assistance)


1. ​​Vehicles shall be operated with the utmost courtesy, care, and consideration for the safety and convenience of pedestrians.
2. Pedestrians shall be afforded the right-of-way at all times.
3. Operators must account for the fact that a pedestrian may be physically impaired and unable to hear or see the motor vehicle, or unable to move quickly.
4. Operators must reduce speeds in heavy pedestrian traffic or stop until the traffic has lessened.
5. Operators must never attempt to get pedestrians out of their way by intimidating them to step off the sidewalk or by use of the vehicle horn.
6. Whenever an operator feels he/she cannot predict the actions of a pedestrian or other vehicle operator, he/she must come to a complete stop before proceeding.
18. ​​Employees shall provide timely notification of safety and maintenance concerns to the Fleet Manager.


19. ​Cargo​

1. ​Ve​hicles equipped with a cargo bed or ladder rack shall not be overloaded. Overloading decreases maneuverability and safe operation.
2. ​Materials and equipment shall be loaded so they will not cause a hazard by shifting or falling off.
3. Top heavy equipment is especially dangerous and should be secured near the center of the Vehicle to avoid tipping. Be extremely careful during turning maneuvers.
4. Loads must not extend beyond the front or sides of the body of the vehicle.
5. Loads that extend more than three feet from the rear of the vehicle must be flagged with a brightly colored material, usually red or orange.​

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