SLAC Standards for the Operation of Government Vehicles

Background: Although SLAC policy requires the use, if available, of a government vehicle for the conduct of official SLAC business, the use of any motorized government vehicle is a privilege--not a right. Abuse of vehicles, violation of traffic or safety regulations, failure to adhere to SLAC or Stanford University policy, reckless operation, a history of accidents, or a poor driving record may result in the loss of the privilege to use any motorized government vehicle at SLAC.

Policy: In order to operate a SLAC motorized vehicle, all drivers must possess or obtain a valid driver’s license recognized by the State of California. Anyone driving a SLAC vehicle will be required to produce a valid license upon request. When new staff obtain their SLAC badges, they will be required to show a valid driver’s license if they plan on driving any motorized government vehicle. Current staff who drive motorized government vehicles will be required to show a valid license each time they renew their badges. In addition, each current and new employee will be required to sign the SLAC Motorized Vehicle Driving Privilege Form. The employee’s signature on this form confirms that he/she currently holds a valid driver’s license recognized by the State of California and commits that employee to inform SLAC Laboratory Safeguards and Security in the event that the license expires, is suspended, or in any way becomes invalid. Employees who drive without a valid license or who fail to report the invalidation of a license will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

SLAC expects employees to take care of the government vehicles they drive and to drive in conformance with all state laws and SLAC policies. The SLAC Traffic Control Program details SLAC’s expectations with regard to vehicle operation and includes corrective action steps for drivers who are involved in vehicular accidents on or off site in a SLAC vehicle.