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4.13.14 Mistreatment of University Vehicles

A vehicle returned to the Facilities and Construction Management Department showing obvious signs of mistreatment will be repaired and the department responsible for the damage will be billed for the necessary repairs.
 
A cleaning fee based on the vehicle type, will be charged to a department returning a vehicle that must be cleaned.  To the extent permitted by law, the department may use its own discretion in charging the individual directly responsible for the damage.  Please contact the Facilities and Construction Management Department for more information. 
 
General Policy and Requirements
  1. Employees are required to check for availability of a University vehicle before renting a vehicle from an outside vendor or electing to use their own personal vehicle. 
  2. Only Jackson State University employees with a valid Mississippi driver’s license or a valid driver’s license from a contiguous state (MS Code § 25-9-153) may drive a University vehicle.  This license must have the appropriate classification and any required endorsements needed for operating the vehicle(s) assigned to the operator.
  3. Employees are responsible for reporting changes in their driver’s license status to the Facilities and Construction Management Department.
  4. All drivers are responsible for operating University vehicles within the bounds of the applicable state and federal laws.
  5. ALL passengers must wear seat belts.  The driver is responsible for ensuring that all occupants have fastened their seatbelts (where supplied) prior to the operation of any vehicle.  The number of seatbelts in a vehicle establishes the maximum number of passengers a vehicle can hold.
  6. Supplemental restraint systems (airbags) should not be disabled.  Loose material inside passenger compartments should be kept to a minimum.
  7. Operators must not drive while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any other substance that impairs their ability to drive.  The operation of a University vehicle while mentally or physically impaired is prohibited.
  8. Smoking as well as using other tobacco products is prohibited in Jackson State University vehicles.
  9. Transportation of alcohol in state vehicles is prohibited.
  10. The driver is responsible for payment of all moving/parking violation fines and fees.
  11. Hitchhikers and/or children are never permitted to ride in or operate Jackson State University vehicles.
  12. The operator is responsible for reporting any damages or problems with the vehicle to the Facilities and Construction Management Department.   
  13. In an event of an accident involving a University vehicle, regardless of the seriousness of the accident, contact the local police or highway patrol.
  14. Operating privileges shall be revoked if: 1) a University driver does not adhere to the policy; 2) the driver’s license is revoked, suspended, withdrawn or denied; 3) the driver refuses to undergo drug or alcohol testing in accordance with University policies or as required by the applicable state or jurisdiction laws; and/or the driver is operating the vehicle outside the limitations of a restricted license.
State mileage rates are available at the following internet link or through the Department of Finance and Administration.  http://www.dfa.state.ms.us/Purchasing/Travel/MileageRate.pdf