The College of Saint Benedict Motor Pool Regulations

(Revised October 14, 2003)

The guidelines in this policy apply to both CSB owned and rented vehicles.

The College of Saint Benedict's Transportation Department has developed these regulations in the best interest of safety for our students and staff.  The regulations represent industry standards, best practices, and insurance company requirements.  The Department operates a motor pool of one 15 passenger mini BUS (new style mini bus) one 11 passenger van (old style 15 passenger van with rear seat removed) three 7 passenger vans (mini vans) and various cars.  Additional vans are rented off0site by various departments throughout the year.  Motor pool vehicles and rental vehicles are available for use in College activities which are directly related to the various departmental activities of the College.

All 15 passenger van users (old style vans) are required to follow the National Transportation Safety Agency guidelines.  Effective July 1, 2003, the College reduced the maximum occupancy load to 11 people per van.  The rear seat has been removed to facilitate the reduced occupancy load.  no persons are to ride in the area created  by the vacated seat. 

Drivers of rental vans must be at least 20 years of age and must have completed the CSB Defensive Driving course prior to renting the vehicle.

The Motor Pool Regulations apply to all College of Saint Benedict sponsored van trips whether using College-owned or rented vans.

• A maximum occupancy load of 11 per van and no more than 3 vans may be used for a single-destination trip.  Groups of 33 or more will be required to use buses with paid drivers.
• A maximum of 800 miles may be traveled in one day.
• All van drivers must be pre-qualified, including: minimum age of 20, driving record check, completion of the Defensive Driving course, and a successful completion of a behind-the-wheel review.
• A minimum of one qualified driver per 400 miles of driving must be identified, with a two driver minimum for any trip of 400 or more miles.
• A faculty or Department sponsor must be identified for all trips of 400 or more miles. The sponsor will either go along on the trip, or provide written acknowledgement of responsibility to serve as emergency contact here on campus.
• A maximum of 16 hours of continuous travel is allowable, after which a lay-over of at least eight hours is required.
• Trip itineraries must be submitted for overnight trips or trips of 400 or more miles.  Itinerairies will be reviewed by the faculty or Department sponsor, and the Director of Transportation.
• Cellular phones are available upon request from the telecommunications office for emergency use during travel. The College prohibits the driver's use of cellular phones while driving. 
• Cargo trailers and car top units are prohibited unless approved by the Department sponsor or the Director of Transportation.
• Non-compliance with any of the above may result in suspension of all rental right of the offending Departmental organization for two calendar years from the offense.

DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY

• The driver will operate the vehicle in a safe manner, observing all town, village, city, and state ordinances and laws pertaining to the operation of motor vehicles. 
• The driver will announce at the beginning of each ride that passengers must use their seat belts.  Seat belts must be worn at all times by all occupants.
• Vehicle headlights must be turned on at all times while vehicle is in motion.
• A co-pilot or navigator is recommended on all extended trips during the hours of darkness.
• Vehicles must stop, at a safe location, on trips of more than 250 miles, at least once every 4 hours or 200 miles of operation for a driver change and a minimal vehicle check. (Walk around the vehicle, visually inspect tires and operation of all lights). This may be done more frequently if the driver wishes.
• The use of tobacco products, alcohol, or illegal drugs is prohibited.  The driver must not operate the vehicle for a minimum of 12 hours after his or her last drink of alcohol.
• The driver will not eat while operating the vehicle.
• The driver will NOT use a cellular telephone or other two-way communication device while the vehicle is in motion.
• Vehicle cargo load capacities, for modified (old style) 15 passenger vans must not exceeded (maximum of 11 passengers).
• On long trips (over night), the driver will check and maintain fluid levels, tire pressure, exterior lights.
• The driver will insure that all interior and exterior lights are turned off and all doors and windows are locked when the van is parked.
• The driver will record beginning and ending odometer reading on the trip log sheet.
• Accidents must be promptly reported to civil authorities and the College of St. Benedict (see accident report in vehicle).
• Fines resulting from traffic or parking violations will be the obligation of the driver.
• All Drivers must be employees and/or students of CSB/SJU.  Volunteers may be considered provided they meet or exceed the requirements of the policy.

See vehicle reservation information on the Security web site for additional information.

DRIVER ACCEPTABILITY

UNACCEPTABLE: Any one of the following within the past five (5) years:

• Driving while intoxicated or under the influence (DWI, DUI)
• License suspension
• Reckless driving
• Drug charges
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• or other similar offenses

In addition, any of the following within the past three (3) years:

• Maximum of two moving violations in combination with one at-fault accident.
• Maximum of three moving violations with no at-fault accidents.
• Maximum of two at-fault accidents with no moving violations.