R27-3-4. Authorized and Unauthorized Use of State Vehicles

  (1) State vehicles shall only be used for official state business.

  (2) Except in cases where it is customary to travel out of state in order to perform an employee's regular employment duties and responsibilities, the use of a state vehicle outside the State of Utah shall require the approval of the director of the department that employs the individual.

  (3) The use of a state vehicle for travel outside the continental U.S. shall require the approval of the director of the employing department, the director of the division, and the director of the Division of Risk Management. All approvals must be obtained at least thirty (30) days prior to the departure date. The employing agency shall, prior to the departure date, provide the division and the Division of Risk Management with proof that proper automotive insurance has been obtained. The employing agency shall be responsible for any damage to vehicles operated outside the United States regardless of fault.

  (4) Unless otherwise authorized, the following are examples of the unauthorized use of a state vehicle:

  (a) Transporting family, friends, pets, associates or other persons who are not state employees or are not serving the interests of the state.

  (b) Transporting hitchhikers.

  (c) Transporting acids, explosives, hazardous materials, flammable materials, and weapons and ammunition (except as authorized by federal and/or state laws). Otherwise, the transport of the above-referenced items or materials is deemed authorized when it is specifically related to employment duties.

  (d) Extending the length of time that the state vehicle is in the operator's possession beyond the time needed to complete the official purposes of the trip.

  (e) Operating or being in actual physical control of a state vehicle in violation of Section 41-6a-502, (Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or with specified or unsafe blood alcohol concentration), Section 53-3-231, (Person under 21 may not operate a vehicle with detectable alcohol in body), or an ordinance that complies with the requirements of Section 41-6a-510, (Local DUI and related ordinances and reckless driving ordinances).

  (f) Operating a state vehicle for personal use as defined in R27-1-2(37). Except for approved personal uses set forth in R27-3-5 and when necessary for the performance of employment duties, the use of a state vehicle for activities such as shopping, participating in sporting events, hunting, fishing, or any activity that is not included in the employee's job description, is not authorized.

  (g) Using a state vehicle for personal convenience, such as when a personal vehicle is not operational.

  (h) Pursuant to the provisions of R27-7-1 et seq., the unauthorized use of a state vehicle may result in the suspension or revocation of state driving privileges.