Fleet Regulations

The following is a guide for the use of University vehicles. The intent is to provide a basic understanding of the Transportation Services standard operating procedures and the appropriate Rules and Regulations. The use of Texas A&M University vehicles is to be confined strictly to activities that support teaching, research and service missions of the university. The guidelines presented are not all-inclusive. In some cases, departments develop more explicit policies that should be adhered to.

State Vehicle Use

From System Policy 33.04 Use of System Property No TAMUS employee shall use any vehicle owned by TAMUS for any purpose other than official business of TAMUS. Employees may not use such vehicles in connection with any political campaign or for any personal or recreational activity including transportation to and from work on a daily basis; however, a vehicle may be driven to an employee’s home and retained overnight on specific occasions when doing so allows the employee to effect significant time or cost savings or meet a specific out-of-town appointment to conduct System business.

Driver License Requirements

Departments are responsible for ensuring the drivers of their assigned vehicles are employees. Drivers must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid driver's license and be approved by the department to drive University vehicles.

Vehicle Security

The security of University vehicles and contents is the responsibility of the driver. When vehicles are left unattended for any reason, the keys should be removed from the ignition, the hand brake set and the vehicle locked.

Vehicles that become disabled on the road should be secured with all possible precautions taken to prevent theft or vandalism. In the event a vehicle cannot be secured in its present location, the driver should contact Fleet Services at 979.845.5846 to tow the vehicle to a facility where it can be secured. Vehicle should not be left along highways or in any area where it is more likely for theft or vandalism to occur.

Vehicle operators should be aware that employee safety is the first and foremost concern. Operator safety should never be sacrificed in order to ensure vehicle security.

Vehicle break-ins on campus contact UPD at 979.845.2345.

Operating Conduct/Safety Requirements

When operating a Texas A&M University vehicle:

Obey all traffic laws.
Drive carefully, safely, and courteously.
Ensure all passengers are properly seated and seatbelts are fastened at all times. The number of occupants in the vehicle must not exceed the number of seat belts.
Do not use the vehicle for personal transportation or other non-official business.
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
Do not drive under the influence of legal drugs if those drugs could diminish driving abilities or judgment.
Do not transport or possess alcohol, illegal drugs, unauthorized firearms or other types of weapons.
Do not exceed the vehicles manufacture’s recommended capacity.
Do not smoke in the vehicle.
Do not exceed posted speed limits or use radar detectors.
Do not drive while using a cellular telephone.
Do not allow passenger behavior that may distract the driver.
Do not drive more than eight consecutive hours in any twenty-four hour period.
Do not carry personal pets.
Do not pick up hitchhikers.

Safety Recommendations

Be well rested before starting the trip.
Always notify a designated contact person upon departure and arrival.
Avoid driving in hazardous conditions such as fog, heavy rain, snow or ice.
Be prepared to stop the trip when fatigue or travel conditions warrant.
Plan routes in advance.
Divide the trip into segments, stopping at lease every two hours to rest or rotate drivers if possible.
Carry a cell phone. When traveling with multiple vehicles, carry a cell phone or another two-way communication device in each vehicle. Do not drive while using a cellular telephone.
Avoid driving between midnight and 6 am.
When possible, a passenger or second driver should ride in the front passenger seat and remain awake at all times to help the driver maintain alertness.
Carry a flashlight. A fire extinguisher is located in the trunk or near the front seat or each rental vehicle.
Avoid taking medication prior to driving, especially if the label warns against operating a vehicle while taking the medication.

Moving Violations

Moving violations are the responsibility of the driver.