Motor Vehicle Policy: Golf Carts & Utility Vehicles

Due to the potential dangers associated with operating a golf carts or utility vehicles (hereafter referred to as utility vehicles) all faculty, staff and students who plan to drive must:

1. Persons must apply to become authorized to drive a Skidmore owned, leased or rented utility vehicle, and meet the following requirements:
   must be over the age of 18
   have a valid Driver’s License
   meet the MVR criteria outlined in the Motor Vehicle Policy
   complete the Driver Safety Training and watch the Golf Cart Safety Video.
   
   
2. Utility vehicle operation is governed under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Laws and operators are subject to the rules of the road, including stopping, turning and safe operation. Utility vehicle operators observed in violation of these rules can be cited by Campus Safety Officers as well as local law enforcement officers.
   
   
3. Utility vehicles are restricted to the confines of Skidmore’s main campus.  Utility vehicles cannot be operated on any public roadway, with the exception of crossing North Broadway to access immediately adjacent college owned property.  Such crossing shall be made at an angle of approximately 90° degrees to the road.
   
   
4. Utility vehicles are not permitted to drive on:
   any covered walkways, or pathways that lead to or end at a covered walkway.
   anywhere on Case Green or within Keyes Quad.
   landscaped or grassy areas (unless it is briefly done to allow pedestrians to pass).
   Exceptions:
   i.     Vehicles are permitted on the East end of Case Green (Paved walkway and ramp) during major events such as Alumni Weekend.
   ii.     Vehicles are permitted in the prohibited areas for the purpose of providing transportation for an individual requiring access assistance.
   
   
5. Utility vehicles are to be operated at speeds no greater than 20 MPH (or walk speed for those vehicles not equipped with speedometers) or slower as safety concerns demand.  Operators should always consider the terrain (such as hills), weather conditions and existing vehicular and pedestrian traffic, which may affect the ability to operate the utility vehicle safely.
   
   
6. All passengers must be in seats designed for such use. Operators of utility vehicles are not allowed to carry any more persons in the vehicle than the vehicle was designed to hold.  Legs must remain inside the vehicle while it is moving.  Secure any cargo or tools loaded in utility vehicle.
   
   
7. Utility vehicles must come to a complete stop before any occupant disembarks.
   
   
8. Utility vehicles must be operated safely and with the utmost courtesy, care and consideration for the welfare of pedestrians.  Pedestrians will be given the right-of-way at all times, and operators shall not impede nor interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow on sidewalks, ramps or roadways.
   
   
9. Utility vehicle operators are responsible for the security of keys during the time that the utility vehicle is assigned to them.  Any time the utility vehicle is unattended, the ignition will be turned off, key removed from the ignition, and kept in the possession of the operator.
   
   
10. Cell phone usage while driving a utility vehicle is prohibited.
    
    
11. Utility vehicle operators are not permitted to drive while wearing devices that could impede hearing, such as stereo headsets, earplugs, etc.
    
    
12. Operators of utility vehicles are required to slow down before making turns.  All turns shall be executed at reduced speed to avoid accidents.
    
    
13. Before backing up in a utility vehicle, the operator is required to check the area behind the vehicle for pedestrians, vehicles and other hazards.
    
    
14. In the event of an accident or incident involving a utility vehicle contact Campus Safety and your supervisor immediately.
    
    
15. Utility vehicles are forbidden to be parked:
    In fire lanes
    In Handicapped Parking spots
    In reserved parking spots
    Within 10’ of a fire hydrant
    Do not push cart if it breaks down unless it is in the roadway or pedestrian right of way.
    If the utility vehicle breaks down or becomes damaged, report it to your supervisor.
    
    
16. Department level supervisors will ensure that employees under their supervision are aware of these requirements, provide training as necessary, and ensure compliance.
    
    
17. Campus Safety will keep an inventory of laminated maps outlining the areas on campus where utility vehicles are prohibited.  A copy of this map shall be kept in each utility vehicle being operated on campus.
    
    
18. Visiting groups using their own utility vehicles and carts on campus will need to comply with this policy.  OSP will communicate this requirement and provide copies of the policy and maps.