Vehicles will only be used in support of authorized NASA functions, activities, or operations. When questions arise pertaining to official use, they should be resolved in strict compliance with statutory provisions and this handbook. See 41CFR102-34.220 and sections 1344 (Passenger Carrier Use) and 1349 (Adverse Personnel Actions) of Title 31, United States Code (U.S.C.) at http://uscode.house.gov/lawrevisioncounsel.php.

Priority of Services and Official Use Determination

The determination as to whether a particular use is official is a matter of administrative discretion and should be exercised within applicable laws and regulations. Pertinent factors include: whether transportation is essential for completion of the function or operation and/or whether transportation is consistent with the purpose for which the vehicle was procured.

Driver Licenses

All drivers of NASA-owned or leased vehicles must have in their possession a valid driver’s license issued in the United States.

Authorized and Unauthorized Uses of Government Vehicles

Contractors and Civil Servants

Contractors and civil servants may use Government-owned or leased vehicles to conduct official business only. Refer to paragraph 1.3.6 above on contractor use of vehicles.

Relatives and Friends

It is NASA policy to not transport friends or relatives for any purpose unless specifically approved in writing by General Counsel and the Center Director or designee.

Hitchhikers

Use of Government-owned or leased vehicles to transport hitchhikers is strictly prohibited.

Student Contractor Employees

Student contractor employees may use Government-owned and leased vehicles for the conduct of official business only when approved in writing by the Contracting Officer, in compliance with statutory provisions. See 41CFR102-34-230 at http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov. (This site does not specifically address student contractor employees).

Vehicle Misuse and Abuse

Fleet maintenance personnel shall report suspected instances of vehicle misuse/abuse to the CTO. Each NASA Center shall establish a working committee to investigate allegations of vehicle misuse/abuse and report their findings to the CTO and other appropriate management personnel.

Penalties for Misuse and Abuse

Each Center should establish consistent guidelines to penalize those who abuse/misuse vehicles. Penalties should range from reprimand up to a 30-day suspension or removal by the CD when an employee willfully uses or authorizes the use of a motor vehicle for other than official purposes.

Penalties for Unauthorized Uses

NASA Centers shall promptly investigate allegations of unauthorized use and, if appropriate, can take disciplinary action under Section 1349 of Title 31 of the U.S.C or report the violation to the U.S. Attorney General for prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 641. See Section 1349 (Adverse Personnel Actions) of Title 31 of the U.S.C at http://uscode.house.gov. CFR102-34-240 states: If an employee willfully uses, or authorizes the use of, a motor vehicle for other than official purposes, the employee is subject to suspension of at least 1 month or, up to and including, removal by the Head of the Agency (31 U.S.C. 1349).

Transportation Between Domicile and Place of Employment

Except for incumbents assigned as Station Director in Bermuda, Guam, or as NASA representatives to Madrid, Spain; Canberra, Australia; and Moscow, Russia, use of Government-owned or leased vehicles is not authorized between residence and place of work.

Temporary Duty Use

NASA personnel, while on temporary duty, may operate Government-owned or leased vehicles while in an official status provided they possess a valid state license for the type of vehicle being operated. Use of these vehicles is limited to official purposes including transportation to and from duty sites, lodgings, dining facilities, medical facilities, drug stores, barber shops, and similar places required for the traveler’s health or comfort, however, public perception must be considered.

Types of Home-to-Office Travel Excluded from These Regulations

Certain limited Home-to-Office travel is allowed when it is advantageous for the government, such as when the driver’s residence is on the way to a remote site visit. The restriction for home-to-office does not apply to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) performing criminal law enforcement functions pursuant to statutory authority as described in NASA Directive NPD 6000.1B.

Page: 3. Official Use of Vehicles - Chapter View

Last Updated: 08/25/2005 09:27 AM