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0000a- Government Vehicle Use

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Contents

Introduction

  1. The Government of the Northwest Territories ensures that vehicles are available to GNWT employees who require them to carry out the duties of their position.
  2. Employees who drive vehicles in the performance of their duties are required to abide by the vehicle use guidelines.

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Application

  1. These guidelines and procedures apply to all employees using government-owned, leased or rented vehicles, with the exception of the NWT Power Corporation

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Definitions

  1. Authorized Drivers are government employees on departmental business.
  2. Authorized Passengers are government employees transported in the performance of their duties; spouses or children accompanying employees on duty travel status; contractors, volunteers, clients or persons other than employees transported in connection with government business; and persons designated in writing by the Deputy Head or designate.
  3. Client Services refers to the Northern and Southern Human Resource regional offices, and the Management and Recruitment Services division within the Department of Finance.
  4. Deputy Head is the deputy minister, president, or chief executive officer of a department, superintendent of a divisional education council, chief executive or president of a board, authority, agency or any such person as may be appointed as Deputy Head.
  5. Vehicle includes automobiles, passenger vans, pickup trucks and any other motorized vehicles, such as snow machines, that are owned, leased or rented for GNWT business.
  6. Vehicle Fleet is the collection of vehicles owned or leased by GNWT departments.
  7. Vehicle Fleet Administrator is the individual(s) responsible in each department for the maintenance of the vehicle fleet.

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Guidelines

  1. Authorized drivers who use GNWT vehicles are required to have the appropriate licence and be informed of these guidelines.
  2. All government vehicles must be insured and registered. Registration and insurance cards are to be in the vehicle as required by the Motor Vehicles Act.
  3. Government vehicles are to be maintained and available for use by authorized drivers.
  4. Authorized drivers must obey all traffic laws and follow the procedures in these guidelines when driving GNWT vehicles and rental vehicles on GNWT business.
  5. ALL accidents must be reported in accordance with the Vehicle Accident and Incident Report whether or not another party is involved.
  6. GNWT vehicles may NOT be used for personal reasons unless express written permission has been obtained from the Deputy Head. This applies to employees who use a GNWT vehicle while on standby and call-outs, as well as during regular working hours.
  7. Employees authorized to use government vehicles must ensure that unauthorized personnel are not carried in the vehicle.

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Procedures

  1. Supervisors of employees who drive as part of their job must:
    1. Make sure that a photocopy of each employee’s current driver’s licence is on their personnel file;
    2. Make sure the employee has the appropriate class of licence for the vehicle they will be driving;
    3. Inform employees of the vehicle use guidelines and ensure that they are followed;
    4. Ensure that the vehicle registration and insurance card are current and that original documents are kept in the vehicle and copies of the documents are on file;
    5. Advise employees that GNWT vehicles must not be used for transporting employees to and from airports that have a taxi service;
    6. Advise employees that they must not use cell phones while driving a government vehicle or while driving their personal vehicle on government business;
    7. Contact Client Services for assistance in determining any labour relations implications should the employee accumulate 12 demerit points or are involved in numerous accidents or incur any traffic fines, parking tickets and related towing charges associated with the use of GNWT vehicles;
    8. Follow usual disciplinary procedures if problems with the use of GNWT vehicles occur during working hours (such as accidents, carelessness, abuse or unauthorized use); and
    9. Ensure that the vehicle is kept neat and clean, inside and out.
       
  2. Vehicle Fleet Administrators must:
    1. Ensure that vehicle maintenance is scheduled in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;
    2. Coordinate delivery and return of vehicles for maintenance and repair;
    3. Ensure that there is a Vehicle Accident and Incident Report Form in the vehicles and that they are completed and sent to Risk Management and Insurance if an accident occurs;
    4. Inspect vehicles periodically, complete inspection reports, and complete the Vehicle Maintenance Record of Repairs each time the vehicle undergoes repairs; and
    5. Inspect and replenish vehicle supplies in the spring and summer of each year, and as required on an ongoing basis using the Vehicle Checklist.
       
  3. Authorized drivers of GNWT vehicles and rental vehicles used for government business must:
    1. Use GNWT vehicles ONLY for GNWT business except where express written permission has been obtained from the Deputy Head. Employees may have to pay for fines, repairs or damages, and may be disciplined for unauthorized personal use of the vehicle;
    2. Complete the Daily Trip Record located inside the vehicle every time the vehicle is used;
    3. Use common sense, economy and safety when using vehicles;
    4. Complete the Record of Gas and Oil every time the vehicle is refueled;
    5. Use seat belts and ensure that all passengers use seat belts;
    6. Drive at a speed compatible with weather, traffic, road and vehicle conditions. Do not exceed posted speed limits;
    7. Not drive when conditions are hazardous, except for work related emergencies;
    8. Are not permitted to  smoke or use electronic cigarettes in the vehicle;
    9. Do normal safety checks (such as checking fluid levels, tire inflation) and report problems and unsafe vehicles to their supervisor;
    10. Take the shortest possible route;
    11. Make best use of the vehicle. To minimize costs, if two or more employees are going to the same place, travel together;
    12. Park in GNWT parking spaces, where provided;
    13. Ensure material and equipment is secured at all times;
    14. Keep vehicle logs according to departmental procedures;
    15. Return shared or loaned vehicles and keys promptly with fuel topped up;
    16. Remove personal belongings and garbage after using shared or loaned vehicles;
    17. Consult their supervisor about approval to take the vehicle home if the employee is on call or working after normal hours;
    18. Be familiar with the Winter Travel Guidelines;
    19. Report all accidents in accordance with the General Loss Reporting Procedures and complete the Vehicle Accident and Incident Report Form located in the vehicle;
    20. Report any traffic fines, parking tickets and related towing charges associated with the use of GNWT vehicles; and
    21. Advise their supervisor if they have been advised by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles that 12 demerit points has been reached.

 

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Authorities and References

Motor Vehicles Act
Part IV - Rules of the Road, Section 56 (1)

Insurance Act
Part V - Automobile Insurance

Code of Conduct
Page 17-18, Use of Government Equipment and Property

Financial Administration Manual
215.01 - Reporting of Losses
760.01 - Employee Duty Travel 

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