15 Passenger Van

October 15, 2002

Memorandum

To:	Deans, Directors, Department Chairs
From:	Leon Igras Director, Department of Environmental Safety Karen Breen Director, Department of Business Services
Subj:	New Requirements for the Use of 15-Passenger Vans

A warning issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last year about the increased risk of rollover of 15-passenger vans under certain conditions, prompted the University to seriously review the type and frequency-of-use of these vehicles by the campus community. Based on this review, and via campus policy, the following requirements have been determined for all drivers of University-owned, rented or leased 15-passenger vans, effective immediately:

Drivers of 15-passenger vans must be at least 21 years of age.
Drivers of 15-passenger vans must successfully complete the Department of Environmental Safety 15-Passenger Van Online Training Program and complete a Hands-On Road Training Exercise conducted by the Department of Campus Parking. Each component will have a fee attached. The online training is immediately available and should be completed first. It can be accessed via the Environmental Safety web page at http://www.des.umd.edu. A certificate will be issued to each participant upon the successful completion of the online training program. The Hands-On Road Training Exercise will not be available until Spring 2003. Until such time as the Hands-On Road Training Exercise component is available, only the online training will be required in order to drive a 15-passenger van.
Motor Transportation Services will verify successful completion of training prior to renting a 15-passenger van to an intended driver.

Exception:

If a driver possesses a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and is 21 years of age, further training is optional.

Options:

Driver training is not required for rent or lease of vans smaller than a 15-passenger van.
Departments may contract with Campus Parking to hire professional drivers of 15-passenger vans.

Should you have any questions, please contact Donna McMahon at x53979 or via email.

cc: David Allen
Sylvia Stewart

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