Responsible Administrator(s):
Responsible Office(s):
Originally Issued: February 2026

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear governance, accountability, and operational standards for departments that own, lease, or operate vehicles and carts on campus. This ensures compliance with university standards, promotes safety, and protects institutional resources. University vehicles are for official business use only and must be operaated responsibly and in compliance with applicable laws.

Entities Affected by this Policy

All UNLV departments and units that own, lease, operate, or request vehicles and carts.

Faculty, staff, and students authorized to operate campus vehicles or carts.

Who Should Read this Policy

Department heads requesting or maintaining vehicles and carts.

Employees assigned as drivers/operators of campus vehicles or carts.

Administrative staff responsible for budgeting, insurance, or compliance related to fleet operations.

Policy

University vehicles and carts must be used only for official university business and operated in compliance with applicable laws. Departments are responsible for the safe use, maintenance, and documentation of vehicles and carts in their custody, with oversight from Parking & Transportation Services. Personal use of university vehicles and carts is strictly prohibited.

Procedures

Departments must designate a Department Vehicle Coordinator as the point of contact for all vehicle  and cart issues.

Authorized Drivers must: 

  • Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license unless specified in position specifications. 
  • Comply with all motor vehicle laws, including county and municipal laws, and all UNLV parking requirements. 
  • Maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record, reviewed upon authorization and annually. 
  • Complete safety training as required or approved by Risk Management. 
  • Conduct daily pre-use inspections (fluids, tires, lights, gauges, visible damage).

Departments must:

  • Implement a preventative maintenance program, following manufacturer guidelines or at least annually. 
  • Retain all maintenance, inspection, and repair records for the life of each vehicle or cart. 
  • Ensure fueling/charging is completed at approved facilities. 
  • Plan for replacement of vehicles after 7 years or high mileage. Replacement determined by department use or suggestions resulting from mechanic inspections.

Parking and Transportation Services will:

  • Provide oversight of the motor pool and campus vehicle operations. 
  • Audit compliance and maintenance records periodically. 
  • Enforce vehicle and cart policies, including annual maintenance and inspections, through possible additional charges resulting from non-compliance. 

Accident and Incident Reporting

  • All accidents must be reported immediately to the University Police Department Southern Command (UPD) and Risk Management, and within 24 hours to Parking and Transportation Services. 
  • A Vehicle Damage/Accident Report form must be submitted. 
  • Departments must cooperate with law enforcement and Risk Management. 
  • Drivers found at fault may be subject to respective disciplinary action.

Maintenance and Safety Standards 

Departments must:

  • Follow manufacturer’s maintenance schedules; if mileage is low, service annually. 
  • Conduct annual state safety inspections on all vehicles and carts. 
  • Document all inspections, maintenance, and repairs. 
  • Remove unsafe vehicles and carts from service until repaired.

Drivers must:

  • Report any unsafe conditions immediately to the Department Vehicle Coordinator. 
  • Ensure day-to-day vehicle care (fluid indicator checks, tire inspections, lights, and visibility in winter).

Vehicle Use Standards 

  1. Vehicles must display UNLV branding or cart identification. 
  2. Carts must be safely operated according to RMS standards and not block sidewalks, ramps, or ADA access. 
  3. Mobile phone/electronic device use is prohibited while driving. 
  4. Take-home vehicles require Vice President-level approval and IRS reporting compliance. 
  5. Personal vehicles used for business must have personal insurance; UNLV is not liable for repairs or fuel. 
  6. Rental vehicles used for official business must follow UNLV Travel Policy and obtain proper insurance coverage. 
  7. Departments are financially responsible for all costs associated with fuel, maintenance, repairs, and insurance for their vehicles and carts. 
  8. When vehicles reach replacement age, departments must coordinate with UNLV Property Control for surplussing or transfer. 

Definitions

University Vehicle

Any licensed car, truck, van, or specialty fleet equipment used for university business.

Cart

A motorized utility cart, golf cart, or electric cart used for official campus purposes.

Authorized Driver

Any faculty, staff, or student who meets licensing, training, and departmental authorization requirements.

Department Vehicle Coordinator (DVC)

A designated representative responsible for departmental compliance, maintenance, and driver oversight.