All appropriate University vehicles are equipped with occupant restraint devices (including seat belts, air bags, etc.) as mandated by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards that are in effect at the time the particular vehicle is manufactured. All occupant restraint devices installed in University vehicles must be maintained in proper operating condition. The Institutional Fleet Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that these devices are in proper working order.
Except as specified below, no one may operate a University vehicle in which the occupant restraint devices for each occupied seating position are not fully operational. Except as specified below, no one may drive or ride in the front seat of a University vehicle or any other motor vehicle being used to conduct official University business unless he/she is properly restrained by the occupant restraint devices available for the occupied seating position. An employee may operate a University vehicle without using the occupant restraint devices only when it is necessary in order to transport the vehicle directly to the repair facility where the devices are to be repaired/replaced. The occupant restraint devices installed in a University vehicle may be temporarily disabled or removed only by vehicle maintenance personnel and only when it is necessary in order to perform maintenance on or effect repairs to the vehicle or the restraint system.
The Institutional President or appropriate designee is responsible for implementation of this procedure. Personnel found to be in violation of the occupant restraint device usage procedures are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension of the privilege of using a University or State vehicle for up to one year. Any attempt by a University employee to disable the occupant restraint devices installed in a University vehicle will be deemed an act of willful insubordination and destruction of University property subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.