1. All staff for whom driving is an essential function of their job are required to maintain a valid driver’s license and auto insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements established by the State of Washington. Documented proof of these requirements is submitted to the HR manager and maintained in your personnel file.
2. Staff who transport clients as a part of their job are required to submit an initial driving abstract for review and validation of vehicle registration. Abstracts will be reviewed by Human Resources to determine if the employee’s driving record meets acceptable standards.
3. Employees must immediately notify Human Resources if their driver’s license is suspended, their insurance is cancelled, their vehicle registration changes or lapses or any conviction of driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
4. Staff vehicles must be equipped with working seat belts, car seats, and booster seats and/or other appropriate safety devices for all passengers as required by law. Staff will not allow anyone to ride in any part of the vehicle not specifically intended for passenger use. All staff members are expected to wear seat belts at all times while in a moving vehicle being used for company business, whether they are the driver or a passenger.
5. The driver of the vehicle is responsible for ensuring that all passengers are using their seat belts or approved child passenger restraint system as appropriate for age, and that they are safe and secure before starting their vehicle. The number of passengers shall not exceed the vehicle’s number of working seat belts.
6. All employees are required to adhere to Washington State Law governing the use of cell phones while driving which prohibits the use of cell phones while driving.
7. Use of prescribed drugs that may impair driving ability or alcohol is prohibited. Exercising good judgment and using discretion is expected of all staff in taking over the counter medication that may impair driving ability.
8. A service delivery is issued with each visit and provides the travel time, visit time, and allowable mileage charge.
9. Every visit must have a separate mileage log and is to be filled out completely according to the directions on the form.
10. A printed map will be provided for transportation planning on the behalf of the visit supervisor and please be advised that per DCYF policy the shortest route applies and DCYF will only compensate the agency for said miles.
11. That being said, if the visit supervisor chooses to go a different route other than the designated route you will only be compensated for the mileage listed. The overage in mileage is your responsibility and can be considered a tax write off so record the info for your records.

Failure to adhere to the Driving Polices may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.