Vehicle Safety Policy

Operators of University of Arkansas vehicles, rental vehicles, personal vehicles, or any vehicle for University business purposes must have a valid driver's license to operate the type of vehicle being driven.

Employees who regularly operate vehicles as a condition of employment must complete an Authorization to Operate form, which is a release to permit the University to check an employee's driving record initially and on a continuous basis via the Arkansas State Vehicle Safety System Information Network. Driving records for non-resident drivers will be obtained by sending the form to the Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services . Applicants being considered for employment to positions requiring operation of vehicles for University business purposes on a regular basis must also complete this form. Examples of regular operators would be those positions with duties which include driving a vehicle on a daily or weekly basis; and positions that require travel regularly as an essential part of their employment, i.e., recruiters, etc.

Driving records will be evaluated according to the point system established by the Arkansas State Office of Driver Services. Drivers who accumulate 10 points or more according to the Office of Driver Services Chartwill be subject to administrative action and possible driving restrictions as described under "Procedures" below. Please note that there is a 3-year look back period for driving record violations. The total points assigned to each violation will be used in determining when administrative action is required. Risk Management will notify departments each time a driver receives a violation which results in 10 or more accumulated points and/or when a driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or restricted. Departments should respond and take the required action described below.

Procedures

Administrative action is required as follows:

  • Drivers who have accumulated 10 through 13 points on their current traffic violation report-
    • Authorization to drive on University business will be reviewed by the employee’s supervisor and administrator. Determination may be made by the appropriate departmental official requiring the driver to complete a defensive driving course in order to continue driving on University business.
  • Drivers who have accumulated 14 through 20 points on their current traffic violation report-
    • Authorization to drive on University business will be suspended. Authorization will be reinstated only after evaluation and approval by the appropriate departmental official. A defensive driving course must also be completed. The defensive driving course offered by Facilities Management shall be acceptable.
  • Drivers who have accumulated over 20 points on their current traffic violation report-
    • Authorization to drive on University business will be suspended. Authorization will be reinstated only after evaluation and approval by the appropriate departmental official and with concurrence of the Risk Manager or appropriate campus official. A defensive driving course must also be completed.
  • Drivers whose driving privileges have been suspended or revoked by the Office of Driver Services-
    • Drivers shall not be permitted to operate a vehicle for University business purposes for the duration of the suspension or revocation. Employees whose jobs require them to drive may face termination or other action as a result of suspended or revoked licenses.
  • Drivers whose driving privileges have been restricted by the Office of Driver Services-
    • Drivers with restricted permits may be authorized to drive on University business as allowed by the restricted permit with the approval of the appropriate departmental official. Employees whose jobs require them to drive may face termination or other action as a result of restricted licenses.
  • University vehicles must be maintained in safe operating condition at all times. The manufacturer’s suggested preventative maintenance schedules can be used as guidelines in establishing maintenance policy and preventative practices. Vehicles shall be used only in the manner and for the purposes designed by manufacturer.
  • Drivers should read and adhere to the Driving Safety Tips provided as part of the Arkansas State Vehicle Safety Program.
  • Drivers of Vans should read and adhere to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Van Safety Advisory & Use of 15- Passenger Vans Policy.