University Vehicles

Owned by Chelsea Cannon
Last updated: Apr 23, 2024 by Cindy Hanson
4 min read

Vehicle Terms of Use 

University Vehicles Policies (all policy links are listed at bottom of page) 

University Connected Learning (UCL) maintains vehicles, which employees may use in the performance of their job duties. Before an employee may use University or personal vehicles in the performance of job duties, that employee must have a valid driver’s license, be at least 18 years of age, and have completed the University’s Defensive Driver Certificate program. 

Violation of this policy can lead to citations. Drivers of University vehicles will be personally responsible for the payment of citations. In the event of a violation, a departmental vehicle may be impounded by Parking Services or the University Police. All vehicles must observe a sidewalk speed limit of 5 mph. 

Vehicles on Campus Sidewalks (also referred to as Pedestrian Walkways) Policy 3-233 (links to external website)

Cars, trucks, and vans may be used to deliver and pick up portable and installed equipment in classrooms on campus. University policy prohibits the operation of such vehicles on university sidewalks and plazas. There are limited exceptions to this policy which require the approval of your supervisor and the authorization of the Director of Plant Operations, who will issue an electronic 'Sidewalk Pass' (Golf/Utility Carts are excluded—see below). In addition, flasher lights must be used the entire time the vehicle is on the sidewalk (being driven or parked). These exceptions are granted for specific events and are for a defined period of time. 

Golf/Utility Carts are not intended for road use and do not need a sidewalk pass. However, all carts must observe 5 mph speed limit on sidewalks. 

"Campus Sidewalk" is defined as an official walkway or path that is clearly intended, prepared, and designated for pedestrians or small off-street vehicles (like carts). Sidewalks are usually flat and paved in concrete or asphalt. While sidewalks may curve, or slope uphill or down, they are not stairways, lawns, dirt paths, foothill, cut-offs, garden beds, or landscaped areas that are graveled or paved in rocks, bark, or any other material—unless the area is clearly designated for pedestrian traffic. 

Remember that the campus speed limit for the use of walkways is 5 miles per hour. 

If a UCL staff member notices any damage to any of the vehicles (flat tires, pitted or cracked windows, etc.), whether serious or minor, it should be reported to the Operations team or the RI Office, which tracks Continuing Education vehicles. If necessary, the vehicle will be taken out of service for repair. If the damage is noticed while out on campus and is such that greater damage would be sustained by returning, call your supervisor, Operations team, or RI Office for advice before driving the vehicle. 

Employees shall not use cellular telephones while operating a motor vehicle. This includes telephone conversations, reading or responding to email or text messages, browsing the internet or any other distracting or dangerous behavior. Policy 4-005 (links to external website)

PLEASE NOTE: Anyone who is reported to be driving anywhere other than sidewalks in a cart, or driving faster than the campus speed limit, or using a UCL vehicle/s in an inappropriate manner may lose the privilege of using these vehicles and may also face disciplinary sanctions which can include termination. 

Parking University Vehicles on Campus 

University vehicles with "EX" plates can park in: 

  • 'A' stalls for loading and unloading 

  • 'U' stalls 

  • Pay by phone for up to 2 hours 

  • Kiosk visitor lots for up to 2 hours 

Remember: 

  • You need to sign out the UCL vehicles at the RI Information Desk and it must be properly filled out before taking the vehicle. All applicable paperwork on the vehicle clipboard must be properly filled out. 

  • Comply with posted speed limits and reduce your speed according to traffic, weather, and road conditions. 

  • Wear a seat belt at all times. 

  • Do not talk on a cell phone while driving. 

  • You may not drive between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am. 

  • University vehicles are prohibited from idling for periods of longer that 60 seconds (refer to Policy 3-215A: Sec: III Rule: E: 11 for a list of exceptions). 

  • In case of an accident, fill out the University of Utah Vehicle Accident Report form on the vehicle clipboard and report the incident to your supervisor immediately. 

  • If a UCL vehicle is not available, you may be required to use your own vehicle to complete your job duties. You must carry personal automobile insurance at the State-required levels (both comprehensive/collision and liability coverage). The University does not provide primary automobile liability of personal injury protection coverage for personal vehicles. If/when you use your own vehicle to perform your job duties your personal insurance carrier provides primary coverage. The University provides no automobile physical damage coverage for personal vehicles used on University business. This means that if a personal vehicle were damaged, there is no insurance program at the University to cover such damage. On occasions when you drive your personal vehicle to conduct University business, you will be reimbursed for mileage according to the University’s current “Schedule of Allowable Rates” (links to external site) for University Travel. 

  • You may not use a UCL vehicle for conducting personal business or without specific authorization to use it. 

  • When finished using a vehicle, please remember 

  • Roll up windows 

  • Lock doors 

  • Make sure the car is turned off if the vehicle has a push-button start 

University Motor Vehicles Policy 3-215 (links to external website)  

Vehicles on Pedestrian Walks Policy 3-233 (links to external website)

Vehicle Parking Policy 5-206 (links to external website) 

 Cell Phone Use While Driving on University Business Policy 4-005 (links to external website) 

Risk Management (links to external website)