Vehicle Information

Loyola Marymount University takes the safety of our community very seriously and has revised the Vehicle Policy for clarification on certain issues.

Any person requiring the use of an LMU-owned cart or vehicle must consent to be enrolled in the LMU/DMV Pull Program. To enroll you must sign the online DMV Authorization form and submit. It will automatically be forwarded to Risk Management. Hard copies are no longer needed. You do not need to send a copy of your California driver’s license. You will not be authorized to drive an LMU-owned vehicle if you refuse to enter the LMU/DMV Pull Program.

LMU's insurance coverage covers the rental of vehicles for business purposes. When you rent a vehicle please decline to purchase the extra insurance from the rental company.

The following conditions apply to university employees who use their personal vehicles for university business as per the university's Travel Policy:

• The employee will be paid the standard university mileage rate for personal vehicle use. This rate is assumed to cover operating costs, including gas, wear and tear, maintenance, and insurance
• The employee must have auto liability insurance as required by law. In California, please see the State Department of Insurance website for requirements. The employee's personal auto insurance must respond in case of an accident

By opting to use their personal vehicle, the employee affirms their knowledge of these terms and that they have adequate vehicle insurance coverage (meets state insurance requirements) and an unrestricted driver's license.

All employees are covered under workers' compensation if they are injured while on university business.

Effective July 1, 2008, California law prohibits drivers from using a handheld device while operating a motor vehicle.

Individuals under the age of 18 may not use any wireless telephone or other mobile device while driving a motor vehicle, even if the device has a hands-free feature.

The only exemption to this rule is that a driver may use a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, such as to make an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, the fire department or another emergency services agency.

Loyola Marymount University requires all members of the community to comply with all applicable laws while driving university vehicles or while driving any other motor vehicles in connection with university-related activities or business.

LMU only allows use of 10-passenger vans, including the driver. Use of 15-passenger vans for any reason is prohibited by LMU.

Vehicle Maintenance

Each University department is responsible for ensuring that routine maintenance is performed on vehicles at least once every six months. At a minimum, the preventative maintenance (PM) program should comply with the manufacturer's guidelines found in the vehicle owner's manual. A vehicle maintenance log must be kept by the department and should include at a minimum the following information: date of service, vehicle odometer reading at time of service, description of service, company providing the service, the cost of the service and any other relevant information to fully document the maintenance service provided.

Pre-Use Vehicle Checklist

These items must be checked prior to each use of the vehicle:

• Start vehicle and turn on headlights and hazard lights
• Test horn to make sure it works
• Test windshield wipers

Exit vehicle and:

• Check that all lights are working
• Perform a visual inspection of tire air pressure and tread
• Listen for any unusual engine noises or vibrations
• Check vehicle for visible oil or fluid leaks
• Ensure windshield wiper blades are undamaged, and
• Ensure that vehicle is equipped with a spare tire and jack

Make the following final adjustments prior to operation:

• Adjust seat so your wrist is even with the top of the steering wheel in a normal seated position
• Adjust mirrors so they can be used from a normal seated position
• Buckle your safety belt and make sure all passengers do the same
• If you are not familiar with this vehicle, drive with caution until you are comfortable with it.

What to do if you experience a car accident.

The registration and title records of university-owned vehicles and carts are maintained by the Risk Management Dept.

Purchase of New Vehicles / Carts

The purchase of a new vehicle or cart must go through the approval process with all of the appropriate signatures. Once completed, the final document should be sent to the Transportation Services Department and a copy to Risk Management.

Annual Registration

The address of the Risk Management offices must be used when purchasing a new vehicle or cart so that the annual registration renewal process will be coordinated within Risk Management.

Insurance for your New Vehicle

Once notified, the Risk Management offices will add your new vehicle to our insurance coverage. Please do not make the mistake in thinking this process is automatic upon purchase. An email to Risk Management is sufficient to gain coverage.

Selling / Donating your Vehicle

If you no longer need or are replacing your departmental vehicle, contact Transportation Management at Facilities Management. They will assist you with the disposal of the vehicle. You will need to notify Risk Management to have the title pulled and to have it removed from our insurance.

The registration and title records of university-owned vehicles and carts are maintained by the Risk Management Dept.