State Vehicle Use

Use of State Vehicles

State vehicles are to be used to conduct official State business. Whenever possible, trips should be planned to coincide with other authorized driver travel requirements so that vehicles are used efficiently and economically.

The following request forms apply for faculty, staff, and students using St. Mary’s College of Maryland vehicles:

• Student Vehicle Request Form (PDF)
• Employee Vehicle Request Form (PDF)

Operating a Vehicle

• Only drivers approved through Public Safety as authorized drivers may operate State vehicles.
• Only those drivers designated on the vehicle request form and whose signatures appear on the form may operate State vehicles.
• All drivers shall operate State vehicles in a manner that reflects concern for safety and courtesy toward the public.
• State vehicles shall be driven only by State officials, authorized employees, and designated volunteers.
• No person may drive or ride in the State motor vehicle unless properly restrained by the occupant restraint device. It shall be the primary driver’s responsibility to ensure that the passengers use the available restraint devices.
• Passengers in State automobiles are limited to persons being transported in connection with State business.

Rules and Regulations

• Vehicles shall not be used for personal reasons, including to transport friends or members of the family (e.g., transporting children to and from school).
• No smoking in State vehicles.
• Under no circumstances will alcohol (open or closed containers) be allowed in a State vehicle.
• The driver of a State vehicle shall take every precaution to ensure the safety of the vehicle and its contents. The driver shall lock the vehicle and take the keys, except in those instances when a commercial parking garage requires the keys be left with the vehicle.
• The driver must note destination and mileage on the form located in the folder provided at pickup.
• Willful disregard of these rules is considered just cause for disciplinary action and denial of further usage.

Wireless Device Usage

• The use of a wireless phone by the driver is prohibited in a moving State vehicle. A driver should only place or receive calls when the vehicle is not moving.

Accidents and Traffic Laws

• All traffic and parking laws are to be obeyed. Posted speed limits are not to be exceeded, nor is the vehicle to be operated above safe driving speeds for road conditions. All violation fines shall be the responsibility of the driver involved.
• Report all accidents to the Public Safety Office within 24 hours, even if there are no other vehicles involved, nor apparent injuries or damages. Notify Public Safety immediately in the case of serious bodily injury. If students are involved, public safety will notify the Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Students or designee.

Damages

• Operators of State vehicles are personally responsible for vehicles assigned to them. Should damage to a State vehicle result through misuse or gross negligence, the operator may be required to make restitution to the State.
• The condition of the vehicles shall be recorded upon return. Individuals returning vehicles in an unsatisfactory condition may be denied further use of vehicles.