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Training and Certification of University Vehicle Operators (D-36)

Original Implementation: May 4, 1983
Last Revision: October 18, 2010

  1. For the purpose of this policy, the following definitions shall apply.
    1. “Operate” means to be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle upon a highway.
    2. “Highway” means the entire width between property lines of any road, street, way, thoroughfare, or bridge in this state not privately owned or controlled, when any part thereof is open to the public for vehicular traffic and over which the state has legislative jurisdiction under its police power.
    3. “University” means Stephen F. Austin State University.
    4. “Approved Driver Certificate” means a certificate issued by the university based on prescribed training, demonstrated proficiency and satisfactory driving record.
    5. A “hazardous traffic violation” means any act committed in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle on a public street or highway, which constitutes a hazard to traffic and is prohibited by state law or city ordinance.”  Hazardous violations shall include parking on pavement and all equipment violations except overweight violations.
    6. “A satisfactory driving record” means a driving record in which an employee has less than ten points accumulated for traffic-related violations during the last three years and has no violations occurring during the last seven years according to the point system provided in this policy.
  2. In determining employee eligibility for an Approved Driver Certificate, the following points shall be assessed for convictions of traffic related violations:
    1. Four points for any hazardous traffic violation which does contribute to a traffic accident.
    2. Ten points for any of the following:
      1. Driving while intoxicated
      2. Aggravated assault with motor vehicle
      3. Driving under the influence of drugs
      4. Murder without malice with motor vehicle
      5. Homicide by vehicle
      6. Failure to stop and render aid
  3. A person with a 10-point violation on his record within the past seven years shall not be eligible for an Approved Driver Certificate.
  4. For the purposes of this policy, the chief of university police may regard a probated sentence, deferred adjudication, enhancement, or reduction for a traffic related violation the same as a conviction.
  5. In order to operate a university motor vehicle upon a highway, an employee must be designated by the employing department, college, or division as a driver and must meet the following standards: 
    Provide evidence of an appropriate, valid Texas driver’s license, or a valid out of state license if an active duty member of the military or reserves;
    1. Provide evidence of the satisfactory completion of a course of defensive driving; and,
    2. Provide evidence from the Driver Records Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety, or out of state driver record bureau if an active duty member of the military or reserves, of a satisfactory driving record.

     

    Applications for an Approved Driver Certificate may be obtained from the chief of university police. (See Driver Certification policy).

  6. Upon fulfillment of the requirements in paragraph 5, above, the chief of university police shall issue an Approved Driver Certificate to the employee.  This certificate shall authorize the employee to operate any university motor vehicle of one-ton carrying capacity or less upon the highways.  Drivers of 15 passenger vans must receive additional training specific to van driving.  (See University Vehicles, Rental and 15 Passenger Vans, B-30).

    7.  

    To be certified for a university motor vehicle in excess of one-ton capacity, the employee must demonstrate proficiency in the operation of the type of vehicle in question.  Demonstration of the proficiency shall be indicated by an endorsement to the Approved Driver Certificate.

  7. An Approved Driver Certificate shall be valid for three years.  Renewal of the certificate may be acquired by the presentation of a satisfactory driving record issued by the Driver Records Division of the Department of Public Safety during the month of renewal.
  8. An employee holding an Approved Driver Certificate who is involved in a hazardous traffic violation may be required to repeat any phase of the certification process. Habitual or repeated violation of the university policy or the Texas Motor Vehicle Law may result in the suspension or cancellation of an Approved Driver Certificate.  The chief of university police may refuse to issue or renew an Approved Driver Certificate to an employee without notice or hearing.
  9. Upon presentation of a satisfactory driving record and proficiency, an employee may apply for, and the chief of university police may issue, a Temporary Approved Driver Certificate.  A temporary certificate may be issued for a period of 180 calendar days and may not be renewed.  The temporary condition of the certificate may be removed by the chief of university police upon the completion by the employee of the defensive driving course required in paragraph 5.
  10. The manager of transportation shall not permit an employee who does not hold an Approved Driver Certificate to operate any university motor vehicle under his control.  The chief administrator of a department, college, or division of the university shall not permit an employee who does not hold an Approved Driver Certificate to operate a university motor vehicle under his control.

 

Cross Reference: University Vehicles (Rental & 15 Passenger Vans) (B-30)

Responsible for Implementation: President

Contact for Revision: President

Forms: Approved Driver Certificate Form (UPD)