Library vehicle POLICY

Adopted by Spokane Public Library Board of Trustees on April 15, 2024; revised August 20, 2025.

GENERAL

The library vehicle policy is established to ensure the safe and efficient use of library-owned vehicles for official library business. This policy applies to all library staff and individuals authorized to operate library vehicles.

VEHICLE USE AUTHORIZATION

Only authorized library staff with a valid driver’s license and approval from the Business Office may operate library vehicles.

Prior to operating a library vehicle, drivers must complete a driver authorization form and provide proof of a valid driver’s license and insurance coverage.

VEHICLE RESERVATION
All requests for the use of library vehicles must be submitted to the designated staff member responsible for vehicle scheduling. Reservations should be made in advance whenever possible to ensure availability and proper planning.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Regular maintenance and inspections of library vehicles will be conducted according to manufacturer recommendations and schedules.
Any defects or issues with library vehicles must be reported immediately to the designated staff member responsible for vehicle maintenance.

VEHICLE OPERATION
Library vehicles shall only be used for official library business. Drivers must adhere to all traffic laws, regulations, and safe driving practices while operating library vehicles.
Smoking, consuming alcohol or illegal substances, and distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving) are strictly prohibited while operating library vehicles. Seat belts must be worn by all occupants of library vehicles at all times.

Library vehicles shall not be used for personal errands or non-library-related activities unless authorized by library administration.

ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS
In the event of an accident or incident involving a library vehicle, the driver must immediately report the incident to the Director of People & Culture and follow established reporting procedures, as well as incident reporting for personal injury.
Drivers involved in accidents while operating library vehicles are responsible for providing accurate and timely information to insurance providers and law enforcement authorities, as required. Driver is responsible for prompt payment of any traffic fine that is incurred on their behalf.

VEHICLE RETURN
Library vehicles must be returned promptly at the scheduled time and location specified in the reservation. Drivers are responsible for refueling library vehicles if the fuel level is below the designated threshold upon return.

POLICY COMPLIANCE AND VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW
Failure to comply with the library vehicle policy may result in disciplinary action, including revocation of driving privileges and other appropriate measures. All library staff and volunteers are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and adhering to the provisions outlined in this policy. All library staff will adhere to provisions outlined in the General Administrative Rules and Guidelines for the Workplace, section “Violations of the Law”.