Tulane University Policies

Tulane University Golf Cart Policy
Below is the new University policy governing the use of golf carts on the Uptown campus. This policy will take effect February 1, 2002. All departments that currently have golf carts should plan to have them equipped with the required safety equipment and devices by March 15, 2002. Please contact Mike Stringer at 865-5175 in Facilities Services to schedule your cart's modifications. See also Request for Purchase form for golf carts as well as a map showing the authorized routes of travel on campus. All carts must abide by this route effective February 1, 2002. Any carts in violation of this policy will be cited by Tulane University Department of Public Safety. Please direct questions regarding this policy to David White, Assistant Director of Risk Management, at 865-5653.
Authority:	This Policy Memo has been approved by the President's Cabinet.
Applicability:	This Policy applies to all Tulane University employees and students who use the specified vehicles for Official Business. Any use other than Official University Business is expressly prohibited. This Policy applies to the Tulane University Uptown Campus.
Summary:	This Memo outlines the policy on operation of University golf carts and golf cart-type vehicles.
1.	Purpose and Definition a. Purpose -This policy provides guidance regarding the acquisition and valid business use of golf cart-type vehicles on the Tulane University Uptown campus. It establishes a method for the University to track the registration of golf cart-type vehicles, limits the valid business use, and addresses the associated risk management issues. b. Definition -This policy covers golf carts and other 3 or 4-wheeled cart-type vehicles that are powered by electric or internal combustion engines. This policy does not apply to tractors or other machinery.
2.	Authorized Use a. Policy - The acquisition and use of golf cart-type vehicles at Tulane University is limited to Tulane departments upon demonstration of valid business use. b. Valid Business Use - Valid business use is defined as "Transporting personnel/equipment/supplies for the University as well as transporting employees/students with temporary or permanent disability needs Use of golf cart-type vehicles for personal convenience, other than for disability related need is strictly prohibited. c. Employee/Student Operators - Individuals registering a vehicle in accordance with this policy are responsible for assuring that operators possess a valid driver's license and sign for receipt of a copy of this policy (Documentation will be maintained in each department). d. Prohibited Operators - Golf cart-type vehicles are not to be operated, for any reason by dependents of authorized operators, any persons not affiliated with the University, or anyone not possessing a valid driver's license.
3.	Approved and Prohibited Areas a. Approved Areas on Campus - Golf cart-type vehicles are restricted to designated routes on the Tulane University Uptown Campus. See map for authorized routes. b. Parking - Parking is allowed only on hard, paved surfaces (e.g. asphalt, concrete, brick). Parking is only allowed in those areas designated on the map for golf carts. The following are prohibited: Parking on soft surfaces such as landscaping, unpaved surfaces, and natural covered areas to include areas covered by mulch, pine bark or straw. Blocking entrances to buildings, stairways, handicap ramps, or main thoroughfares. No vehicle shall be parked on sidewalks so as to block or restrict pedestrian traffic.
4.	Acquisition a. Procurement of golf cart-type vehicles shall meet the following requirements: Application must be reviewed and approved by Risk Management and Public Safety prior to the purchase of the vehicle. Once reviewed, the application will be returned to the requesting department with all appropriate signatures indicating approval or denial. Applications are available from Tulane Risk Management x5653. Golf cart-type vehicles must be acquired though the Purchasing department. Any purchase request must have the signed approval from Risk Management, and Public Safety attached. Purchasing will not place any orders without the approval documents. b. Specifications - Whenever feasible, the University recommends the purchase of electric-powered vehicles instead of internal combustion engine vehicles. All golf cart type vehicles must be equipped with an audible warning device that will sound whenever the cart is placed in motion. c. Registration - All golf cart-type vehicles must be delivered to Tulane Facilities Services for registration with the following information: Name of School/Department/Operating Unit Responsible Person Make and type of vehicle Serial number of vehicle Business purpose d. Identification- All University-owned golf cart-type vehicles must have an official University logo bearing the department's name clearly visible on the vehicle. In addition, all vehicles will display a number issued by Facilities Services used to track the vehicles as well as a color-coded pennant. All vehicle markings will be applied by Facilities Services. Any vehicle without proper markings and identification will be cited and/or impounded.
5.	Safety a. General -Vehicles shall not be operated in a manner that may endanger passengers, other individuals or damage Tulane University property. All vehicles must travel in the direction of the flow of traffic and must obey all campus traffic regulations and signs. Pedestrians have the right of way on all campus sidewalks at all times. b. Speed Limits - Operators shall not exceed speed limits for motorized vehicles. Operators must reduce speed on walkways and in pedestrian areas. In crowded pedestrian areas, operators must park or proceed at a slow walking pace. Maximum speed on sidewalks shall not exceed the speed of pedestrian traffic present. c. Passenger Limit and Load Capacity -Occupancy shall not exceed the passenger limit and load capacity designated by the vehicle's manufacturer. Under no circumstances is anyone to ride standing in or on the back of a golf cart-type vehicle. All modifications to carts must be approved and performed by Facilities Services. d. Passenger Safety - Passengers must keep their heads, legs and arms within the cab of the vehicle. e. Enforcement - Public Safety will cite operators and departments for violations.
6.	Vehicle Maintenance The Department Responsible Person shall ensure that vehicles are routinely inspected and maintained as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure that they remain in proper working order. All maintenance of golf cart-type vehicles will be performed by Tulane Facilities Services. Each department owning a golf cart-type vehicle will be assessed an annual fee of $400.00 per vehicle. These fees will be placed in a fund to be used to defray the costs associated with grounds maintenance and repair due to the damage caused by these carts. Additionally, each department will be held liable for the first $500.00 of any property damage resulting from negligent operation of their department's vehicle.
7.	Accident Reporting Report all accidents and injuries immediately to Tulane Public Safety and Risk Management.
8.	Enforcement of Policy Tulane Public Safety will enforce this policy for the appropriate and safe operation and parking of all golf cart-type vehicles and will issue citations as indicated. Departments will be automatically charged for violations. Any department receiving 3 citations for violations, within a one year period, will permanently forfeit the privilege of owning and operating a golf cart-type vehicle.