Safety is number one when driving or operating any vehicles or Government equipment. Drivers and operators of all Forest Service equipment shall strictly observe all traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations in both letter and spirit (EM–7130–2, p. 1) of the State or local community in which the vehicle is operated. They shall observe the accepted standards of safe and defensive driving and shall exercise all possible care to avoid accidents and shall not misuse or abuse the vehicle.
Unofficial use is defined as willfully using or authorizing the use of a Government-owned or -leased motor vehicle for other than official purposes. The operator is subject to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 641 and, where appropriate, shall be suspended from duty without compensation for not less than 1 month or summarily removed from office, in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 1349. Any knowledge of misuse of vehicles must be reported immediately to the unit manager and/or unit law enforcement (AGPMR 110-34.220 USDA Official/ Authorized Use).
Nonstandard use is using the vehicle in a manner for which it was not intended and/or that is beyond its design or operating capabilities. In rare cases, nonstandard use may be necessary to accomplish mandatory goals. In these cases, the nonstandard use must be recognized and approved by both the fleet manager and project staff officer before the use. Any costs for repairs from nonstandard use will usually be paid for by the benefiting function (FSH 7109.19, sec. 42.2).
Abuse is damage caused by disregard for established standards of use and maintenance. The cost of repairs for abuse is initially charged to the funds financing the work where the damage occurred. After an investigation, the operator may have to pay for the repairs (FSH 7109.19, sec. 42.2).
Seat belts shall be worn properly at all times while traveling in all Government-owned or -leased vehicles. This requirement includes all persons in the vehicle, including the driver and passengers (FSH 6709.11, sec. 12.34).
Smoking or the use of any tobacco products is prohibited at all times in all Government-owned, -leased, or -rented vehicles (USDA Department Regulation 4400-6, Smoking Policy, 12/16/1996).
Cell phones and two-way radios (including "hands-free" devices) shall be used from the shoulder of the roadway or other safe location and only while the vehicle is stopped. Cell phones, two-way radios, or other communication devices may only be used by the driver when the vehicle is in motion under limited emergency conditions. Drivers shall follow all local laws pertaining to the use of cell phones (FSH 6709.11, sec. 12.34, ID issued July 12, 2010).
Refuel and clean vehicles after each use so they are ready for the next user.
Back-in parking should be used whenever possible, for improved visibility and overall safety when leaving the parking space, particularly during an emergency.
Wheel chock blocks or other blocking devices must be used whenever vehicles and equipment are parked on a grade (FSH 6709.11, sec. 12.34).
Secure vehicles and their contents from theft and property damage. Government vehicles should be parked in an off-street, secured facility whenever possible. Never leave the credit fuel card or keys in the vehicle, even if the vehicle is parked in a secured area. When vehicles are parked in commercial facilities that require keys to be surrendered to the attendant, remove and secure the fleet fuel card (FSH 7109.19, sec. 33.1).
Home storage of Forest Service vehicles is only authorized in limited situations and must be approved in advance (USDA Departmental Regulation No. 5400-005 and WO letter 7130, May 24, 2010).
Personal use of Government-owned, -leased, or -rented vehicles is not authorized. Forest Service vehicles can not be used for running personal errands, hauling personal items, or transporting friends or family members (AGPMR 110-34.220, USDA Official/Authorized Use).
Authorized passengers normally are limited to Forest Service employees on official business. If advantageous to the Government and circumstances warrant, others, such as contractors, collaborators, cooperators, grantees, permittees, prospective bidders, volunteers, and enrollees, could be transported on official business (FSH 6509.33, 301-2.6(a) (1) (ii)). This travel should be limited to the job site.
Persons who are not Government employees cannot be carried in Government vehicles except in emergencies—and then only after contacting your local dispatch office, supervisor, or 911 operator. Provide complete information on the nature of the emergency. In most cases of injury or illness, it is safer for all concerned if you administer first aid and wait for proper medical assistance to arrive. There are some limited exceptions; these must be approved in advance at the regional forester or station director level (WO letter 6570, December 14, 2009).
Travel in a Forest Service-owned, -leased, or
-rented vehicle requires you to take the most direct
travel route available. When in travel status away
from your home unit, the Government vehicle may
be used after "work hours" on a very limited basis
for eating, exercising, attending certain types of
meetings, church services, etc. There are very
specific rules covering this type of vehicle use, so
get your supervisor's approval and the proper
information before using a Government vehicle for
these purposes (FSH 6509.33, sec. 301-2.3).
