4.6 Unauthorized Vehicle Use

Vehicles are not authorized to be used for any personal trips unrelated to the state business for which they were assigned or to transport passengers who are not state employees unless on state business. Unauthorized use of state vehicles may result in immediate disciplinary action from the operator’s agency. Such action may include suspension of all privileges to operate state vehicles and in some cases, dismissal. Furthermore, state drivers are not covered by liability insurance when engaging in unauthorized use of state vehicles. The following uses and activities while operating a state vehicle are prohibited:

• Any use for personal purposes other than commuting which has been authorized.
• Transport of hitchhikers.
• Transport of cargo that has no relation to the performance of official state business.
• Transport of hazardous materials such as acids, explosives, weapons, ammunition, or highly flammable material, except by specific authorization or in an emergency.
• Except when in an official business travel status, transport of other employees from work centers to restaurants, café's or drugstores.
• Attending sporting events including hunting and fishing other than those activities which are part of the employee’s official duties.
• Transporting any political campaign literature or matter or to engage in soliciting votes or to transport any person or persons soliciting votes in any election or primary.
• Smoking in a state vehicle by any occupant.
• Attaching personal property to state vehicles.
• Applying decals not authorized by OFM.
• Improper vehicle use that is beyond the vehicle’s rated capabilities.
• Non-state employee “passengers” not on state business or specifically approved for travel by your agency head.