REG 04.25.05 - Cart/Utility Vehicle Safety Regulation

Authority:

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Responsible Office:

Office of Environmental Health & Safety

Date Established:

01-30-2020

Last Revised:

11-21-2022

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

1.1 This regulation provides guidelines for the use of electric or gas-powered carts and/or similar utility type vehicles (golf carts) on all campuses of the University. The intent is to establish proper safety procedures and practices, as well as to promote and provide for a safer environment for students, faculty and staff.

1.2 The safe operation of carts is paramount. Failure to follow this Regulation, render common practices or courtesies, or follow rules of the road for the State of North Carolina, could result in citation, appropriate disciplinary action, and/or suspension of operator's cart driving privileges.

1.3 Only current university employees and student-employees are authorized to operate carts on campus.

2. RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 All members of the University community are governed by this regulation (students, staff, faculty and contractors/vendors). All operators of carts must meet the following criteria before operating a cart on property under the jurisdiction of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP):

2.1.1 Possess a valid driver's license. Each department will maintain on file, a statement signed by each employee who has been authorized to operate golf/utility carts, attesting to their knowledge and understanding of this Regulation.

2.1.2 Know and adhere to the State of North Carolina motor vehicle laws.

2.1.3 Successfully complete Cart Safety Training Program (operator's training will include signing a statement of understanding). The Office of Safety and Health will provide this training.

2.2 Department Heads, managers and supervisors are responsible for:

2.2.1 Ensuring that all operators receive training by the Safety Office

2.2.2 Ensuring that all operators read this Regulation. Supervisors shall maintain written documentation that this has been done.

2.2.3 Monitoring the driving habits of employees

2.2.4 Taking appropriate disciplinary action against operators who fail to comply with this Regulation

2.2.5 Complying with the provisions of this Regulation

2.2.6 Supervisors shall assure that golf carts are operated in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Golf carts shall not be modified in any manner that affects the recommended mode of operation, speed or safety of the vehicle.

2.3 Operators are responsible for:

2.3.1 Operating all carts in a responsible and safe manner

2.3.2 Familiarizing himself or herself with the provisions of this Regulation

2.3.3 Complying with the provisions of this Regulation

2.3.4 Attending golf cart safety training, as required

2.3.5 Promptly reporting all accidents to UNCP Police and Public Safety, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, and to the operator's supervisor.

2.3.6 Cart operators are responsible for ignition keys for the period in which they are using the vehicle. Keys shall not be left in carts.

2.4 Environmental Health and Safety Office will:

2.4.1 Coordinate University-wide compliance with this Regulation and facilitate training and testing, and retain the necessary documentation

2.4.1.1. Cart safety training shall include, but is not limited to, the following information:

2.4.1.1.1 The policies and procedures that outline this program.

2.4.1.1.2 Responsibilities of those involved in the program

2.4.1.1.3 Proper conduct for driving the cart, while obeying safety regulations

2.4.2 All training is to be documented and include the operator's name, instructor's name, date of training, brief outline of the training, and copies of the written test.

3. SAFE OPERATION OF CART AND UTILITY VEHICLE

3.1 UNCP employees who will be operating carts are required to obtain a North Carolina driver's license within thirty (30) days after: commencement of such employment or notice that they will be operating a cart as part of their job duties. Full-time out-of-state students who have a valid driver's license from their state of residence are exempted from the requirement of obtaining a North Carolina driver's license for only that period allowed by North Carolina law. Individuals who do not have a valid state issued driver's license can operate a cart with prior permission from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety if their duties involve driving University golf/utility carts on campus.

3.2 The following outlines procedures for the safe operation of carts:

3.2.1 Golf carts intended for use between dusk and dawn, regardless of operation speeds, shall be equipped with headlights and taillights.

3.2.2 Carts are restricted to designated University roadways and/or sidewalks. In most cases, sidewalks are to be used while right-of-way is to be rendered to all pedestrians. Note: Operators are to use due caution in crosswalks. Carts using pedestrian crosswalks do not have the right-of-way. Speed is to be reduced to a minimum when driving along or crossing sidewalks to avoid accidents with pedestrians.

3.2.3 Cart operators are always to use extreme caution.

3.2.4 All extremities (arms, feet, and legs) are to remain inside the confines of the cart while the cart is in motion.

3.2.5 Operators may choose to wear earplugs for hearing protection but may not wear headsets while operating carts. Headsets may cause distractions and may result in accidents.

3.2.6 Operators are prohibited from operating carts on roadways outside the boundaries of the University, with the exception being for satellite buildings associated with the University (i.e. the West Office Complex).

3.2.7 Operators are prohibited from operating carts inside, under, or through the confines of University buildings.

3.2.8 Cart operators are to be diligent and pay attention to the needs of disabled persons, whose vision, hearing or mobility may be impaired.

3.2.9 Carts are not to be overloaded, i.e. carrying more passengers than seating provided or overloading the cart's recommended carrying or load capacity. Observe the limit of two (2) occupants per bench seat rule.

3.2.15 Operators must park carts away from heavily traveled pedestrian areas (building entrances and exits), keeping off the grass and/or landscaped areas.

3.2.16 Cart operators are not to block the path nor limit pedestrian access on walkways. Cart are to remain off walking paths and sidewalks any time pedestrians are present.

3.2.17 Carts are not allowed to drive on the bridge that spans the Water Feature.

3.2.18 University-owned carts are to be used for University business only. The use of these golf carts to transport passengers other than those directly involved in servicing University buildings and facilities is prohibited. University-owned carts shall not be loaned to outside agencies/groups for off-campus use without the written permission of the owning department's supervisor and approval from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

3.3 All current cart operators must also attend the Cart Safety Training Program and have completion of training documented. Operators failing to attend and/or complete Cart Safety Training could be given a citation, have appropriate disciplinary action taken, and/or be subject to suspension of operator's cart driving privileges.

3.5. Personally-owned carts are prohibited from operating on University property. However, special consideration will be given to ADA accommodations.

4. CART ACQUISITION, MAINTENANCE, AND IDENTIFICATION

4.1 All carts and utility vehicles must be maintained so that all original equipment safety features are kept in good working order.

4.2 University-owned carts are to be maintained in accordance with manufacturer and Facilities Operations' recommended service schedule.

4.2.1 Repairs and regular maintenance are the responsibility of the department owning the cart. The departments are financially responsible for all repair and maintenance costs (labor, parts, and supplies). The department is required to keep all preventative maintenance and repair records related to the cart; however, for those services provided by Vehicle Maintenance, Vehicle Maintenance will keep such records.

4.2.2 Departments are responsible for keeping all original equipment and safety features in good working order.

4.3 All carts shall display highly visible signage that provides a means to identify the cart owner. This may be accomplished by putting the name of the department on the cart. An individualized identification number or letter must identify the operator(s). 

4.3.1 Anyone (including coworkers) who observes reckless or inappropriate operation of the cart has a duty to notify the cart owner and/or operator's supervisor.

4.3.2 Signage and paint for all carts and utility vehicles must be approved through University Communications and Marketing.

4.4 The name of the University department, and University identification number (provided by Facilities Operations at the department's expense) must be displayed prominently on University-owned carts. Contractors and other non-affiliated departments/companies, corporations, etc. must display company name and vehicle identification number (VIN) on their carts at the owner's expense.

Additional Resources:

• Golf / Utility Cart Operator Training
• NC Driving Laws