Utility Cart Policy

Policy Overview

I. Purpose

To establish a policy for the safe use of “unlicensed off-the-road vehicles” on campus.

II. Scope

This policy covers all types and makes of “unlicensed off-the-road vehicles”: three (3), four (4), or six (6) wheel vehicles, electric or gas powered, or alternative fuel vehicles, used for transportation of people, equipment, products, etc., on campus or for grounds or facilities maintenance purposes.

III. Definitions

  1. Utility Cart. As used herein, the term shall apply to all unlicensed (unregistered) off-the-road vehicles operated on the campus including golf carts.
  2. Credentialed Drivers are those drivers who have been credentialed by their department, and who meet the college standard for driving.

IV. Policy

1. Any street or roadway located off college property.
2. Designated bicycle paths or lanes.

  • Only Utility Carts essential to maintaining and servicing college facilities and academic, athletic, administrative or development functions shall be permitted to be operated on campus. Requests for transports for mobility impaired persons should be referred the Accessibility Resource Center. Summer conference requests should be directed to the Conference Office.
  • Only Credentialed Drivers of the college may operate Utility Carts.
  • Pedestrians shall have the right-of-way on all walkways of the campus at all times.
  • If a Utility Cart is in an area when pedestrians are present, cart speed shall be reduced to a walking pace, and operated with care and courtesy for pedestrians. The operator shall either stop, or go around groups of people, even if the Utility Cart has to leave the road or sidewalk and drive on the grass.
  • The following areas shall be “Off-Limit-Areas” at all times:
  • While traveling on campus roads, all motor vehicle laws shall be observed. Carts shall be operated at speeds no greater than all safety concerns demand.
  • Utility Carts shall be parked so as not to obstruct normal egress from buildings or block exits, handicapped ramps or paths of pedestrian travel on sidewalks. Utility Carts may not be parked in handicapped spaces, metered parking spaces, reserved spaces (unless reserved for the Utility Cart) or fire lanes. Whenever possible utility carts shall be parked in the loading dock service area of a building (but shall not block access to refuse dumpsters).
  • Equipment shall be loaded onto Utility Carts so as not to create a hazard to pedestrians. No equipment shall be loaded on a Utility Cart that exceeds the width of the cart or exceeds load capacity.
  • Seatbelts must be worn by all vehicle occupants at all times if equipped. The maximum number of passengers is equal to the number of seats or seatbelts in the vehicle. All passengers must be in a seat while the cart is moving — no exceptions. Drivers violating this safety rule will have their driving privileges suspended.
  • When riding in a Utility Cart all hands and feet shall be kept in the cart. Drivers must wear shoes.
  • Under no circumstances shall a Utility Cart be used to tow any equipment, unless properly equipped to do so (i.e., trailer hitches, etc.).
  • Utility carts must be turned off, parking brake secured and the keys removed from the vehicle when the operator leaves the vehicle, without exception. Parking on inclines should be avoided if possible.
  • Utility Carts are particularly prone to tipping and rolling over. Operators will use extreme caution while making turns, on uneven surfaces and on hills.
  • Smoking is prohibited in Utility Vehicles.
  • Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle operators are not permitted to drive while wearing devices that impede hearing, e.g., stereo headsets, earplugs, etc. Cell phone usage while driving a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle is prohibited.
  • Carts shall not be operated at night without properly working head, tail and signal lights.

V. Responsibilities

  1. Each Department shall be responsible for disseminating this policy, training all operators of Utility Carts on the above rules and safe use of Utility Carts, and insuring that appropriate corrective actions are taken when violations of this policy are reported. Violations are considered Job Performance issues and disciplinary action may be taken. These regulations are also incorporated in the Driver Certification Policy; accidents involving Utility Carts will count as motor vehicle accidents.
  2. The operators of "Utility Carts" shall be responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle and adherence to the policies in Section IV above.
  3. In instances where the vehicle can be identified, abuse of this policy shall be referred to the responsible Department Head. In other instances, the abuses should be referred to the Campus Safety Department.
  4. Any accident involving a Utility Cart shall be reported to the Campus Safety Department immediately and an accident report form completed for every incident. An accident is defined as any collision or other contact between the Utility Cart and any other vehicle, property or person that results in any damage, no matter how small, to the Utility Cart, to any person, to any other vehicle or to any other property.
  5. Each department shall be responsible for maintaining the safe operation of its Utility Carts. The Facilities Management Department shall notify the Safety Office of any uncorrected mechanical hazards or unapproved accessories on Utility Carts.
  6. All Utility Carts shall have an identification number assigned to the cart which shall be affixed to the front and the rear of the cart. The letter and numbers shall be a minimum of four (4) inches high and contrast with the color of the Utility Cart so they can be easily seen.
  7. Vehicles must be “stored” securely, either in a secured garage or chained.

*If there are any questions or to schedule training, contact Rich Korzeniowski at 413-585-2458.