Government Vehicle Information

Satisfying the requirement to have a valid government issued driver's license mandates the inherent responsibilities of state and federal driving laws.

Individuals are strictly prohibited from operating GSA Vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The presence of these substances are also prohibited from being inside of the vehicles.

Virginia has some of the strongest drunk driving laws in the nation, which also apply to drugged driving. For more information, please see: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/forms/dmv168.pdf

Driving—(1) Means operating a motor vehicle on an active roadway with the motor running, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic light, stop sign, or otherwise. (2) Does not include operating a motor vehicle with or without the motor running when one has pulled over to the side of, or off, an active roadway and has halted in a location where one can safely remain stationary. Text messaging means reading from or entering data into any handheld or other electronic device, including for the purpose of short message service texting, e-mailing, instant messaging, obtaining navigational information, or engaging in any other form of electronic data retrieval or electronic data communication. The term does not include glancing at or listening to a navigational device that is secured in a commercially designed holder affixed to the vehicle, provided that the destination and route are programmed into the device either before driving or while stopped in a location off the roadway where it is safe and legal to park.

The use of hand-held wirless telephones while operating a moving Government motor vehicle is prohibited in accordance with E.O. 13513; cited in the DOE Fleet Management Handbook (DOE-HDBK-7251-2016) 6.1.l Motor Vehicle Operator Requirements.

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles identifies three basic types of distracted driving as manual, visual, and cognitive; all three resulting in increased crash risk.

Effective January 1, 2021 Virginia law prohibits drivers from holding cell phones or any other wireless communication devices while driving expect in a driver emergency or the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped. Texting while driving is illegal and a primary offense in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

You can find more information here: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/safety/programs/drinking/distracted-driving

The mandatory use of seatbelts by each employee operating or riding in a Government motor vehicle is outlined in the DOE Fleet Management Handbook (DOE-HDBK-7251-2016) 6.1.j Motor Vehicle Operator Requirements.

The proper use of seat belts includes the lap belt fitting low and snug across the hips, and never across the abdomen. The shoulder belt should fit closely against the chest and across the breastbone, never under the arm.

Read more on Virginia's seat belt laws and regulations here: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/safety/programs/seat-belts

The requirement for accident reporting is outlined in the DOE Fleet Management Handbook (DOE-HDBK-7251-2016) 6.1.f Motor Vehicle Operator Requirements.

When a Government-owned or leased motor vehicle is involved in an accident, the driver of the vehicle should notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency, his/her supervisor, and the Fleet Manager in accordance with internal procedures. Accident reports and related records will be retained, maintained, and accessible from the Fleet Manager.

The operator of the vehicle involved in the accident will take the following actions at the scene:

1. Obtain the name, address, telephone number, operator's permit number, vehicle license number, insurance company name, policy number and claims address from the other driver, as well as any other information necessary to complete accident report forms
2. Obtain the names, addresses, telephone numbers, permit numbers of any witnesses, and whenever possible have the witness complete the SF 94, Statement of Witness
3. Give his or her name, address, telephone number, permit number, vehicle license number and agency identification to the other driver(s) and the police when requested
4. Ask the police officer to collect the required information if personal injury prevents collecting it, and contact the supervisor, who will complete and process the forms
5. Obtain a police investigation report, photographs, doctor’s certification of bodily injuries, and any other pertinent documentation concerning the accident if possible. This information should be processed with all required accident report forms not later than five working days after the accident
6. Complete the following applicable forms, or the supervisor should if the employee is unable to do so. These forms are availible in the vehicle's glove box, but are linked here for convenience and reference:
    
   • SF91, Operator’s Report of Motor Vehicle Accident
    
   • SF94, Statement of Witness

Failure to report a motor vehicle accident, and a record showing a high accident frequency or questionable costs could lead to legal and disciplinary action against employees and prohibit further motor vehicle use.

For more information, please visit GSA's Accident Management Center website at: https://www.gsa.gov/buy-through-us/products-services/transportation-logistics-services/fleet-management/vehicle-leasing/accidents-and-maintenance/accident-management-center-amc

Any abuse of the requirements, rules, or policies for usage of the GSA Vehicles is subject to termination of privileges and commensurate action.

It is the operator's responsibility to report any change in status of eligibility to the Fleet Manager. This includes the expiration of license, court penalities related to driving status, etc.

For any questions, concerns, or inquiries of commensurate actions, please contact the Fleet Manager at x5899.

GSA has a standard telematics system integrated into their fleet vehicles. The Near Field Card (NFC) is a fob that will communicate an individual's information to the telematics system. The individual's information is associated to the fob through the myGeoTab system, which Fleet Administrators activate when issuing the fob. When the fob is engaged with the telematics system, the driver’s account will be authenticated, and driving analytics will be recorded throughout the trip.

1. Start the vehicle
2. Place NFC next to the reader
3. The reader will respond with a beep and a green light

1. Extreme acceleration
2. Engaging breaks too quickly
3. Excessive idling
   

An NFC stays with the individual for the length of their employment with Jefferson Lab. If an individual leaves the Lab, they are required to return the NFC to a Fleet Administrator or the vehicle key return box located at SSC 28 outside of Room 16.

NFCs cannot be used by anyone other than the individual it was issued to. Do not share your NFC with coworkers, supervisors, subcontractors or any other individual.

If your NFC is broken or lost, please report it to a Fleet Administrator for notificaiton and to be issued a new one.

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The Lab-wide vehicles available for reservation are parked between Building 13 and CEBAF Center (Building 12). Division-specific vehicles are parked in designated areas; please inquire with your division's administrator for information. Vehicles are to be returned to the same parking lot area it was originally retrieved. This is to ensure consistency, protection, and efforts against pilferage.

The gas cards for all of the GSA Vehicles are located in SSC 28 Room 16. There is also a black key return box outside of SSC 28 Room 16 to return items at your convenience or outside of office hours.

Drivers are welcome to excercise Pay-By-Plate toll options. Tolls collected are then sent through the GSA Fleet office to our Property department for payment. Individuals are also allowed to drive through EZ-Pass lanes if desired.

If an individual pays for tolls personally with cash, please speak with your division administrator for reimbursement.