Low Speed Vehicles

Policy Information

Policy Title	Low Speed Vehicles
Responsible Office	Office of the Vice President for Operations
Policy Type	Facilities and Property
Policy Number	412
Last Revision Date	11/29/2022

Purpose

To define operating and administrative procedures for Low Speed Vehicles. NYS Vehicle Law refers to “low speed vehicles” as being “a limited use automobile which has a maximum performance speed of greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour.” These vehicles are required to be registered and licensed in NYS. All University traffic and parking rules will apply to the operation of these vehicles. University and affiliated organizations will be provided flexibility in use of sidewalks and non-road areas for driving and parking; however, all use is restricted to required University business. All drivers must have a valid vehicle operator’s license, NYS registration, and be 18 years or older.

General Vehicle Ownership Categories

University-Owned Low Speed Vehicles

• Purchasing, licensing and registration will be done through the University Purchasing Office
• Vehicles will be marked with the following identifying information affixed to the rim of both rear fenders:
  1. Name of department
  2. Last three digits of the NYS license plate attributed to the vehicle

Affiliated Organization-Owned Low Speed Vehicles

• The ownership, license and registration information must be provided to the University Purchasing Office and added to a list of vehicles that may operate on campus.
• Vehicles will be marked with the following identifying information affixed to the rim of both rear fenders:
  1. Name of department
  2. Last three digits of the NYS license plate attributed to the vehicle

Privately Owned Low Speed Vehicles

• Must register with Parking Services.
• Must adhere to all parking and traffic rules and regulations.
• May not use University electrical outlets or recharging stations except for those expressly designed for public use. Currently charging stations are located in the Parking Structure, Glenn G. Bartle Drive.
• Must adhere to all NYS laws pertaining to low speed vehicles.

University Procedures

Administrative

• A master list of all low speed vehicles will be maintained, listing department (or other) ownership and identifying information. This list will be maintained by the Purchasing Office. Purchasing Office will share the information with University Police and Parking Services.
• Departments with low speed vehicles will provide the name of a contact person who will be responsible for periodic vehicle inspection, maintenance, accident and repair records. A written record should be maintained for each vehicle.
• The department will be responsible for ensuring vehicle operators are licensed to operate a vehicle.
• The contact person will be responsible for the charging site and infrastructure. Requests for infrastructure must be coordinated with Facilities Management (location, funding and service request). The department should include the duties in the job description/performance program of the contact person.
• Binghamton University requires authorized drivers to take an on-line training class prior to operating the vehicles. The contact person will monitor users of the vehicle to make certain that drivers have received training before being provided access to driving vehicles. Any hands on training for vehicle operation will be conducted by the department.
• Parking — be considerate of other pedestrians and parkers. Park off roadways, leave room for pedestrians, do not block or use handicapped spaces, fire hydrants, garbage/trash facilities.
• Operation:
  1. Roadways — must observe all NYS vehicle and traffic regulations (e.g., speed, seat belts, signaling).
  2. Should be used primarily on roadways; however, if required for University business, they may be operated on walkways.
  3. Operate at speeds appropriate to the vehicle, conditions and location.
  4. Vehicle capacity is dictated and should never be exceeded (number of seat belts, weight restrictions).
  5. No vehicles should be taken beyond the boundaries of campus, which includes ITC.
  6. Smoking is prohibited in university vehicles.
  7. All accidents must be reported to University Police.
  8. Vehicle operators are responsible for any fines related to operation and/or parking.