Policy
It is the policy of Clover Park Technical College to ensure that college owned, rented or leased motor vehicles as well as privately owned vehicles driven on college business are operated safely and within the requirements set forth by the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services. All drivers must produce proof of a valid Washington state driver’s license every two (2) years, proof of valid insurance for a privately owned vehicle every two (2) years and attend a driver’s safety briefing within sixty (60) days of employment, or upon request.
College drivers authorized to drive college vehicles or privately owned vehicles on official state business must comply with all policies herein.
The President or his/her designee may authorize the use of a privately owned vehicle (POV) in the conduct of official college business when it is more advantageous or economical to the college that a person travel by a POV rather than a common carrier or a college-owned or leased motor vehicle. CPTC will not reimburse out-of-pocket costs for parking tickets, moving violations, or damages and insurance deductibles relating to POVs used on official college business.
When driving on official college business, all drivers are to have a driver’s license recognized as valid under Washington state law. This license must be in the driver’s possession while operating any motor vehicle used for college business. In addition, those driving a POV on official college business must carry poof of valid insurance that complies with the State of Washington’s liability insurance laws.
Except as otherwise provided by law, or by DES, college-owned or leased motor vehicles are to be used only for official college business. Any person exercising control over and/or operating the vehicle is expressly prohibited from transporting unauthorized passengers.
The driver must:
- a. Operate the vehicle at all times in a professional and safe manner, and comply with applicable traffic laws and regulations,
- b. Promptly pay fines to the issuing agency for all parking tickets, citations or infractions received while operating a college vehicle. The payment is the sole obligation and responsibility of the driver and will NOT be reimbursed by the college,
- c. Notify the manager/supervisor by the end of the next business day upon notification by the applicable licensing agency that his/her driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or otherwise determined to be invalid,
- d. Complete the approved accident report form when an accident results in either, or both injuries to a college driver, authorized passenger(s), and or others or damage to a college vehicle, POV, and/or other vehicle
The College will consider trip consolidation and energy conservation when conducting state business.
The College will promptly review all citizen complaints and/or traffic infractions with regard to drivers. In addition the requirements of 43.19.635 will be followed when addressing any driver violations.
Electric vehicle charging is available on a first-come first-served basis. Fees for charging will be based on the length of time a vehicle is parked/connected. Violations should be reported to the Security Department.
Signed Policy
Procedure
Managers/supervisors will identify employees/students that they wish to designate as college drivers and provide information and a completed “Authorized Driver Acknowledgement Form” to the office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration.
Record keeping for training and license/proof of insurance will be provided by the office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all employees who operate vehicles on college business receive a training briefing within sixty (60) days of employment or adoption of this policy.
The following information must be available in every state vehicle: repair information, operator’s responsibilities statement, accident and insurance forms (including instructions), emergency instructions, and the “State Proof of Liability” card.
College drivers:
- Complete training and the training form within the required sixty (60) days.
- Provide copies of a valid Washington state driver’s license and proof of valid automobile insurance at least every two (2) years. The driver must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and have two (2) years of driving experience.
- Agree to the following:
- a. never drive a college vehicle while impaired through fatigue, drug or alcohol use or lack of sleep,
- b. not use cell phones or other handheld communication devices unless stopped in a safe location,
- c. not transport alcohol in a college vehicle unless such a substance is within the scope of the driver’s official duties,
- d. not transport firearms, weapons, or explosives unless in accordance with official duties,
- e. not use radar or speed detecting devices in a college vehicle,
- f. not use ear buds while operating a college vehicle,
- g. not eat or drink in a college vehicle,
- h. not use tobacco or electronic cigarette products in a college vehicle,
- i. not let anyone else into a college vehicle without authorization, including other students, family, children, friends, pets, etc.,
- j. not use college vehicles for personal use,
- k. ensure that they and all passengers are securely seat belted before moving a vehicle,
- l. ensure that their license and proof of insurance is kept in the vehicle while they are using it.
