Chapter 13 Table of Contents. View the entire chapter in a PDF format. Please use the pdf for printing.

Requirements:
General (5.1)

The traffic and safety requirements outlined below apply to the operation of all vehicles at SLAC; many are in addition to the requirements imposed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Driving one's own personal vehicle on the SLAC site is a privilege, not a right. It is incumbent on individuals to follow all applicable rules in order to retain this privilege.

Identification and License Requirements (5.1.1)

Driver's License (5.1.1.1)

Consistent with the California Vehicle Code, SLAC requires operators of all motorized vehicles, including government cars, trucks, carts and scooters, to have a valid California driver's license or a California-recognized license issued by another state or by a foreign jurisdiction of which the operator is a resident. Personnel must obtain a California driver's license within 20 days of becoming a California resident.

Drivers under 18 Years of Age

Drivers under the age of 18 are not permitted to drive any motorized government vehicle, nor are they permitted to work as an outside helper on a motor vehicle. (SLAC Summer Student Program: Age and Safety Related Information [doc])

SLAC Motorized Vehicle Driving Privilege Form (5.1.1.2)

All persons who qualify to carry a safety badge and operate a vehicle at SLAC must have a current signed SLAC Motorized Vehicle Driving Privilege Form [pdf] on file with SLAC Site Security. This also applies to anyone who will be driving on-site for more than 30 days.

Note: All SLAC employees must carry a safety badge. Subcontractors and certain visitors and users qualify to apply for a safety badge and will find it useful for faster site access. Signing the SLAC Motorized Vehicle Driving Privilege Form is part of the badge issuing process. (See the Site Access and Identification Badges Policy and Procedures [pdf] for more information.)

SLAC Vehicle Registration (5.1.1.3)

Though not required, it is strongly recommended that personal vehicles operated on the SLAC premises be registered with SLAC Site Security. (“Auto Registration & Traffic Control Program: SLAC Security”) SLAC vehicle registration applies to vehicles belonging to SLAC employees, long-term users, subcontractors, and temporary workers. Registering vehicles with SLAC speeds up site access - drivers of registered vehicles can enter the site without stopping to show personal identification - and makes it easier to contact vehicle owners when necessary.

Note: Evidence of registration is available as a sticker or a decal, which should be placed on the inside, lower left corner of the windshield.

Vehicle Safety (5.1.2)

Every vehicle operator must take precautions to ensure that he/she is operating a road-worthy vehicle. This includes making sure that tires are properly inflated, the rear-view mirror is properly positioned, visibility is good through all windows, and that loads are properly secured. In addition, vehicle operators must meet the following requirements.

Seat Belts (5.1.2.1)

California Vehicle Code safety-belt law applies at SLAC, and not wearing a seat belt constitutes a moving violation.

Note: Only passengers in a bus are not required to wear seat belts. Passengers in other types of vehicles may not sit or stand without proper restraining devices. For instance, riding in the bed of a pickup truck without proper restraining devices is prohibited.

Carts (5.1.2.2)

Carts used for transportation of personnel and cargo on SLAC property must be compliant with ANSI B56.8-2006. (ANSI B56.8-2006 - “Safety Standard for Personnel and Burden Carriers”)  This standard governs the specifications for the purchase of new carts, and the operation and maintenance of existing carts. Carts that are not compliant with this standard must be removed from service until they repaired or brought up to compliance with the specification of this standard.

Moped, Scooter, and Bicycle Operation (5.1.2.3)

Use of mopeds, scooters, and bicycles require the use of an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-approved helmet while on-site. Helmets are available from SLAC Stores when needed for official use.

In addition to wearing a helmet, operators and bicyclists must

• Use both hands for handle bar control
• Carry items in the vehicle basket or in a backpack or belt pack that does not hinder vehicle operation
• Drive defensively
• Never travel faster than road conditions warrant
• Watch for road hazards
• Ride on roads or other designated pathways and not on pedestrian pathways/sidewalks

Government Vehicle Requirements (5.1.2.4)

All government vehicles (DOE and GSA) must be

• Maintained in safe operating condition and returned to Fleet Services for maintenance and repair as necessary
• Tracked; a use log must be kept
  See the binder in each vehicle and the Facilities Dept Vehicle Trip Log [pdf]
• Visually inspected before use for any physical damage to the exterior or interior. If the damage is not already recorded in the vehicle log, such damage must be reported to the vehicle custodian prior to operation of the vehicle.
  Facilities Dept Vehicle Inspection Form [pdf]

Pedestrian Safety (5.1.3)

Pedestrians are also subject to the California Vehicle Code. Although they do have the right of way at marked crosswalks and unmarked intersections, they must not move into the paths of moving vehicles so suddenly as to constitute a hazard. At all other points on roadways, pedestrians must give way to vehicles. It is the responsibility of supervisors to explain traffic rules to new members of their staff, who might not be familiar with the California Vehicle Code (for example, visiting researchers).

Traffic Regulation (5.1.4)

The California Vehicle Code and posted traffic regulations must be observed by all vehicle operators. On-site infractions are cited by SLAC Site Security and citations initiate a progressive discipline process that begins with the first violation for both moving and parking violations.

Speed Limit (5.1.4.1)

The maximum speed limit for all vehicles on SLAC property is 25 miles per hour (38 kilometers per hour). Lower speed limits may apply to the following areas:

• Areas with posted lower speed limits where congestion, foot traffic, or road configuration frequently present greater hazards
• Areas where temporary conditions such as road repair, foul weather, or congestion may warrant speeds below posted limits
• Areas where temporary conditions such as special work along road ways, road repair, foul weather, or congestion may warrant speeds below posted limits
• In all areas when vehicles are being escorted by SLAC vehicles equipped with flashing lights

Moving Violations (5.1.4.2)

Not wearing a seat belt and exceeding the speed limit are two examples of moving violations. For additional examples, see Traffic and Vehicular Safety: Enforcement Requirements [pdf].

Parking (5.1.4.3)

Prohibitions

All state and local parking regulations apply to the SLAC site. Specifically, parking is prohibited

• Along red curbs
• In front of fire hydrants
• In fire lanes
• Where a vehicle may block building exits
• In marked no parking zones
• In disabled parking spaces unless a valid permit is prominently displayed
• In spaces designated for government vehicles if the vehicle is privately owned

Parking on Inclines

When parking, all vehicles must have their parking brakes set. Passenger vehicles and light duty trucks (for example, pickups) must also properly curb their wheels when parked on inclines. All carts, construction haulage, and delivery vehicles parked on inclines must have their parking brake engaged and at least one wheel properly chocked.

Abandoned Vehicles

Privately owned vehicles parked on-site for longer than two weeks without permission from SLAC Site Security will be declared abandoned and treated in accordance with the applicable DMV regulations regarding abandoned vehicles on private property. The owners must pay for towing and storage to recover their vehicles.

Disabled Parking Permit

Disabled parking permits issued by the state of California are valid at SLAC. In addition, personnel who are temporarily disabled may request a special temporary disabled parking permit issued by SLAC Site Security that is valid for use on the SLAC site only. The Medical Department must verify the disability.

Parking Violations

Parking violations initiate the progressive discipline process outlined in Traffic and Vehicular Safety: Enforcement Requirements [pdf].

No Idling Vehicle Policy (5.1.4.4)

Per policy established in Chapter 30, "Air Quality", SLAC's no idling vehicle policy applies to all on-site vehicles and comprises two distinct elements:

1. After starting the engine, minimize idling time and set the vehicle in motion immediately; be prepared to drive before turning the ignition key
2. Turn the engine off whenever the vehicle is to be left unattended for any length of time

Traffic Hazards Due to Construction or Other Large-scale Projects (5.1.4.5)

If traffic or vehicular hazards caused by construction or other large-scale projects pose an immediate danger to life or health, the activity must be stopped by the university technical representative (UTR). Work may only resume once the hazard has been evaluated by the Environment, Safety, and Health Division (ES&H). SLAC Site Security should be contacted at ext. 5555 to reach the on-call facility manager designee to report such a situation.

Vehicle Accidents (5.1.5)

SLAC employees, users, visitors, and subcontractors must report all vehicle accidents, to SLAC Site Security (ext. 5555) if on-site or local law enforcement if off-site (see Traffic and Vehicular Safety: Accident Reporting Procedure [pdf]). If on-site, SLAC Site Security will respond, provide further guidance, and issue a SLAC Site Security incident report. Supervisors must confirm that any vehicle accident involving personnel or equipment under their supervision has been reported properly. Additional requirements depend on the severity of the accident and type of vehicle, as described below.

Traffic accidents resulting in injury or damage to government property, including structures and vehicles, must be investigated according to Chapter 28, "Incident Investigation", in addition to the reporting required here.

Injury Accidents (5.1.5.1)

Drivers and witnesses must call for emergency responders (dial 911 and then call SLAC Site Security at ext. 5555) and provide aid and information to the best of their training and ability.

Government Vehicles (5.1.5.2)

Drivers of government vehicles involved in accidents, both on- or off-site, must follow the protocol for exchanging information with the other party and submitting full reports as required for DOE and GSA vehicles by Fleet Services. (“Facilities – Transportation Policy and Procedure”)

Off-site Accidents (5.1.5.3)

It is SLAC and Stanford University policy that personnel do not admit to any responsibility for vehicle accidents - no matter how minor - that occur off the SLAC site while on official business. Such admissions, when appropriate, are reserved for the university and its insurance carrier. Personnel involved in such accidents must, however, exchange with the other parties whatever information is required by law (for example, driver's license number, contact information, and insurance policy/carrier information).

Vehicle Use near or inside Buildings (5.1.6)

No privately owned motorized vehicles are allowed in any buildings or tunnels at SLAC. Certain types of GSA or SLAC-owned motorized vehicle are permitted in certain buildings under specific conditions, as outlined in Traffic and Vehicular Safety: Indoor Vehicle Use Requirements [pdf].

In addition, to gain clearance to drive any vehicle into a particular building, contact the building manager, area manager, the PAFD, or building safety officer.

Notification (5.1.7)

Current information regarding on-site road traffic and safety is made available in the "Access" column of SLAC Today. Informational signs are posted along the road as necessary to remind drivers of such requirements as wearing seatbelts and reducing speed in certain areas.

continue to Requirements, Roles & Responsibilities (5.1.8)