Motor vehicle policy: vehicle use and passengers
Vehicle Use
Drivers must comply with the following when using College-owned, -leased or -rented vehicles:
- Operate vehicles in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws and College regulations at all times. (This agreement is found on the bottom portion of the Application for College Driving Privileges. It must be signed by the driver prior to the time eligibility is conferred.)
- Drivers are reminded that the City of Saratoga Springs restricts idling of vehicle engines for more than 5 consecutive minutes, except in certain circumstances. Please refer to the for additional information.
- Report any vehicle accident to Department Supervisor and Campus Safety immediately.Failure to report may result in the loss of driving privileges.
- Comply with NYS Seat Belt Laws for driver and passengers.
- Agree to comply with no smoking or the use of tobacco, in accordance with the NYS Clean Indoor Air Act.
- Agree to comply with no use of handheld electronic devises (cell phones/texting) while driving, in accordance with NYS law.
- Assume the responsibility for payment of all driver-related traffic violations and citations issued while vehicle is in their care and custody.
- Agree that any unauthorized use of Skidmore-owned, -rented or -leased vehicles for non-College related purposes will result in revocation of driving privileges.
Fleet Vehicle Use
In addition to the vehicle uses outlined above, the following is information and expectations of drivers using College-owned and -leased Fleet Vehicles:
- The College reserves the right to cancel any reservation based on inclement weather conditions.
- Failure to use a reserved fleet vehicle or cancel a reservation in a timely manner on more than one occasion can result in evocation of driving privileges.
- Transit Low Roof Vans are restricted to faculty and staff use only.
- Towing a trailer (or other item) is restricted to faculty and staff, unless specifically approved.
- Vehicles may be equipped with specialized equipment to monitor safe driving.
- Vehicles have road-side assistance coverage that should be utilized whenever needed.
- Vehicle warm-up-time is restricted to 5 consecutive minutes, except in certain circumstances. Please refer to the for additional information.
- Vehicles are equipped with E-ZPass transponder and should be used on toll roads to pay for tolls.All states within a 200 mile radius of Saratoga Springs accept E-ZPass for vehicles with nothing in tow. When a College-owned vehicle is towing a trailer, the College may receive a direct bill, which will be forwarded to the driver/department for payment.
- After fueling vehicle (use gas card provided), give fuel receipt to Campus Safety when returning vehicle pouch. On the receipt, include the account number where the expense should be charged. Drivers may want a copy of the gas receipt for the department secretary who sponsored the usage.
- Gas cards provided with a College vehicle are strictly for gas purchases for approved travel only. Any misuse of a gas card could prompt a College or law enforcement investigation.
- Drivers of vehicles approved to travel outside of the contiguous United States need to contact the office of Risk Management for additional insurance documentation.
- Return fleets vehicle with at least half a tank of fuel, cleared of any trash or debris, and with all windows rolled up and seats in the upright position.
- Ice scrappers and snow brooms are available in each vehicle and are to be used to ensure an unobstructed view of the road.
Passengers
All passengers must be participating in a College business or sponsored activity or event at the time they are traveling in a College-owned, -leased or -rented vehicle. Passengers should be limited to employees and students, unless approved by the sponsoring Department.
All occupants of the vehicle are not permitted to smoke and must wear seat belts whenever seatbelts are available. It is the driver's responsibility to make sure that all passengers wear their seat belts.