SUBSECTION 4.2.5.1
MOTOR VEHICLES - GENERAL

4.2.5.1.1

Purpose

Effective Date:

Sept. 1, 1998

The purpose of these rules is to establish policies governing the acquisition, management, operation, maintenance, repair, and disposal of all state-owned or operated passenger motor vehicles in accordance with RCW 43.41.130 and Chapter 82-36 WAC.

4.2.5.1.2

Intent

Effective Date:

Sept. 1, 1998

State-owned, leased, or rented passenger motor vehicles are to be used only for official state business of state agencies (refer to Subsection 4.2.5.3.2.b).

4.2.5.1.3

Management

Effective Date:

Sept. 1, 1998

Every state agency having jurisdiction and control of state-owned or operated passenger motor vehicles is to establish policies and procedures designed to operate these vehicles at the lowest effective cost per mile for the life of the vehicle. Agencies are also to continuously review staffing assignments and field operations with the objective of minimizing travel.

4.2.5.1.4

Noncompliance

Effective Date:

Sept. 1, 1998

4.2.5.1.4.a

State agencies authorizing the use of state-owned or operated passenger motor vehicles are financially accountable for all costs resulting from the violation of these rules relating to the use of state-owned or operated passenger motor vehicles.

4.2.5.1.4.b

Employees are to be advised that personal use of state-owned or operated passenger motor vehicles or violation of traffic safety laws constitute grounds for disciplinary action which may include deductions from salaries or other allowances due, suspension without pay, or termination of employment in the case of repeated violations, suspension, or termination of the right to operate state-owned or operated motor vehicles.

4.2.5.1.5

Conservation

Effective Date:

Sept. 1, 1998

All state agencies are required to exercise maximum energy conservation practices in conducting official state business. All agencies are to consolidate trips where possible, ensure adequate maintenance of assigned vehicles, provide employee orientation on the necessity for driving within legal speed limits, and employ other means as necessary to achieve energy conservation.

4.2.5.1.6

Commute Trip Reduction

Effective Date:

Sept. 1, 1998

State agencies may, subject to appropriation and under the Internal Revenue Service rules, use public funds to financially assist agency-approved incentives for alternative commute modes, including but not limited to carpools, vanpools, purchase of transit and ferry passes, and guaranteed ride home programs, if the financial assistance is an element of the agency's commute trip reduction program as required under RCW 70.94.521 through 70.94.551. This does not permit any payment for the use of state-owned vehicles for commuter ride sharing (refer to Subsection 4.2.5.2.3).