N.M. Admin. Code § 1.5.3.14

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 21, November 5, 2024

Section 1.5.3.14 - TRAFFIC LAWS AND OPERATOR CONDUCT

A. Authorized drivers shall obey all applicable traffic laws while operating a state vehicle.

B. Authorized drivers must exercise appropriate caution and prudence while operating a state vehicle.

C. Authorized drivers shall not engage in discourteous behavior or inappropriate conduct while operating a state vehicle.

D. Authorized drivers shall not use state vehicles for inappropriate or illegal activities including personal use; and shall have no reasonable expectation of privacy in the use of any state vehicle.

E. Authorized drivers on official travel, who exceed their post of duty by thirty-five (35) miles, may utilize the state vehicle to take care of personal business such as visiting eating establishments, grocery stores, etc.

F. Authorized drivers shall only utilize a cell phone with a hands free device while operating a state vehicle.

G. At no time will the authorized driver be allowed to text or type on any other device(s) such as a smartphone and laptop computer while driving. At no time is reading from any electronic device or paper source permissible while operating a state vehicle.

H. Authorized drivers shall minimize distractions while operating state vehicles. These distractions include but are not limited to eating and playing with the radio/cd player.

I. Authorized drivers shall operate state vehicles at or below posted speed limits.

J. An authorized driver who receives a traffic citation or parking ticket while using a state vehicle must notify TSD. If TSD receives a state employee's traffic citation or parking ticket involving a SCFA motor vehicle, the director or designee will forward it to the state agency leasing the state motor vehicle to assure the employee promptly clears the citation/ticket.

(1) The driver shall be personally responsible for any costs (cost of ticket, late fees, court fees or administrative fees) associated with the citation or ticket,

(2) The driver is also required to retake and pass a six (6)-hour TSD approved instructor NSC/DDC certification class before operating a state vehicle. An agency may deem that the employee is responsible for paying for additional classes.

(3) If the driver of the vehicle cannot be identified, the agency shall be held responsible for any costs associated with the citation or ticket.

K. Authorized drivers involved in a traffic accident while operating a state vehicle who are found at fault will have their driving privileges suspended or revoked and are required to immediately register for a six (6) hour TSD approved instructor NSC/DDC certification class.

L. State employees shall carpool to meetings, conferences whenever feasible.

M. Supervisors will ensure that their employees are fit for duty when operating a state vehicle. This includes ensuring that the employee is not fatigued.

N.M. Admin. Code § 1.5.3.14

1.5.3.14 NMAC - Rp, 1.5.3.14 NMAC, 1-15-13

Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXVI, Issue 14, July 30, 2015, eff. 7/30/2015