Refer to Subsection 12.10.30 for definitions of vans as referred to in this section.

Selection of the electronic stability control option is required for new purchases of all vans described in Subsection 12.10.30, if not already a standard manufacturer feature.

15-Passenger full size van purchase.

1. As of the effective date of this policy, agencies are restricted from purchasing or acquiring new 15-passenger full size vans for passenger transport purposes. These vans are commonly referred to as “15-passenger vans. ”

   Exception: Van pool programs operated and insured by local government transit authorities may continue to purchase 15-passenger full size vans for passenger transport purposes.

2. Agencies may purchase or acquire new 15-passenger full size vans if used exclusively for cargo or maintenance purposes.

12-Passenger full size van purchase.

Agencies are authorized to purchase or acquire 12-passenger full size vans as defined in Subsection 12.10.30 for passenger transport purposes.

Mini-van purchase.

Agencies are authorized to purchase or acquire mini-vans as defined in Subsection 12.10.30 for passenger transport purposes.

Cargo full size van purchase.

Agencies are authorized to purchase or acquire cargo full size vans configured for cargo or maintenance use as defined in Subsection 12.10.30.

Alternative passenger transport vehicle purchase.

Agencies are authorized to purchase or acquire alternative vehicles, such as small buses, for the transport of passengers. Refer to Subsection 12.60.10.g regarding passenger transport of non-college enrolled high school and younger children.

Note: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) rules require that all vehicles designed to transport 16 or more persons (including the driver) require a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Refer to DOL's website at: http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdl.html.

Van use.

1. Transportation of non-college enrolled high school and younger children. Agencies are restricted from transporting non-college enrolled high school or younger student passengers in 15 or 12-passenger full size vans, or specialty vehicles not meeting state and federal school bus standards. Non-college enrolled high school and younger children may be transported in mini-vans or sedans.
2. State driver policies in Subsections 12.20.15 and 12.20.20, and Section 12.30 apply to all van drivers. All van and driver policies in Subsection 12.60.30 apply to full size van use.

Van rental/lease restrictions.

1. As of the effective date of this policy, agencies are restricted from contracting for the rental of 15-passenger full size vans for passenger transport purposes regardless of their availability from the rental vendor.
2. Agencies are authorized to rent/lease 12-passenger full size vans, cargo vans, and mini-vans from rental vendors. Rented/leased vans are subject to the van use restrictions/requirements noted in Subsection 12.60.10.g.

Agencies are strongly encouraged to phase-out 15-passenger full size vans used for passenger transport purposes. One phase-out option is to convert 15-passenger full size van use from passenger to cargo or maintenance.

The recommended phase-out period for 15-passenger full size vans used for passenger transport purposes is five (5) years from the original date of purchase or acquisition.

Agencies are required to remove rear seats and reduce passengers by five (5) or more for all 15-passenger full size vans used for passenger transport purposes.

Note: Driver and training requirement policies in Subsection 12.60.30 apply to 15 and 12-passenger full size vans and cargo or maintenance vans.

All vans are to be maintained and inspected as required in Subsection 12.20.40.a.

Driver safety awareness

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) publications indicated below are required to be placed and maintained in a conspicuous spot in each state owned 15 and 12-passenger full size van as well as in all rental 12-passenger and cargo full size vans:

1. “Reducing The Risk of Rollover Crashes in 15-Passenger Vans” – Hangtag.
2. “Reducing The Risk of Rollover Crashes in 15-Passenger Vans” – Flyer.

Refer to the NHTSA website for the latest version of these documents at: http://www.nhtsa.gov.

Required documents for driver and manager/supervisor signature

1. Agencies are required to have all 15 and 12-passenger full size van and cargo van drivers sign the following documents at the time of their initial van driving assignment. Managers/supervisors must also sign the documents under the manager/supervisor responsibilities checklist section.
• 15 and 12-Passenger Full Size Van Driver - Valid License to Drive and Driving Experience Statement (PDF)

• 15 and 12-Passenger Full Size Van Driver - Safe Driving Practices Acknowledgement Statement (PDF)

2. Agencies are required to maintain the above documents in appropriate agency files.

Agencies are required to provide employees, students, and volunteers with safety education information or training prior to their initial operation of state owned or commercially rented/leased 15 or 12-passenger full size van or cargo van.

Safety education information provided must include:

1. The NHTSA web address for van safety:
   http://www.nhtsa.gov or http://www.safercar.gov
2. Review of NHTSA’s flyer, “Reducing the Risk of Rollover Crashes in 15-Passenger Vans.”
3. Review of NHTSA’s hangtag for 15-passenger vans.
4. Review of the Fleet Safety section in the Risk Management Basics Manual available online at: http://www.ofm.wa.gov/rmd/publications; or equivalent agency developed information.
5. Review of policies in Sections 12.30 and 12.60 or equivalent agency-specific policies or information pertaining to these sections.

Training for 15 and 12-passenger full size van and cargo van drivers.

Length of training, training curriculum, training method, type of training materials (or audio-visuals) used is at agency discretion.  Agencies may supplement the requirements above as desired. Examples of training topics that agencies may choose to address include, but are not limited to:

• Pre-trip planning and travel routes.
• Travel time restrictions.
• Travel during weather conditions (snow, ice, wind, etc. ).
• Gear or cargo storage.
• Maintenance including tire pressure.
• Head light use.
• Cell phone or other electronic equipment use.
• Seat belt use.

Training is to be documented by the agency and the documentation maintained in appropriate agency files.

Renewal training must be provided every two years. Renewal training should consist of a review of initial training information with updates as appropriate.