Division Vehicles

Driving Policy

I. POLICY

This directive applies to the routine operation of Field Enforcement Bureau vehicles. The following regulations apply to all operators of Bureau vehicles.

A. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license.

B. Drivers must operate Bureau vehicles in a legal, safe, and courteous manner. Drivers of Bureau vehicles will observe all traffic and parking laws. No one will drive, use, or park Bureau vehicles, while on or off-duty, so as not to reflect unfavorably on the Bureau or the Comptroller’s Office.

C. Only authorized persons are allowed to ride in Bureau vehicles unless in the performance of duty or otherwise permitted by the Director or Deputy Director. Drivers are responsible for the behavior of any passengers.

D. Bureau vehicles may not be used to push or tow any other vehicles, except in an emergency.

E. Operators of radio equipped vehicles will not transmit within 50 feet of a known electronic blasting areas or electronic dynamite caps. Explosives will not be transported in Bureau vehicles.

F. All employees are prohibited from operating a Bureau vehicle while, or after, consuming alcoholic beverages, except in the performance of an approved undercover assignment.

G. Employees with the equipment, skill, knowledge, and ability may assist motorist with “hot shots” as necessary.

H. Drivers of Bureau vehicles and all passengers will use seat belts and other available occupant safety restraining devices while the vehicle is in motion.

II. OFF-DUTY USE

This directive applies to the off-duty operation of Field Enforcement Bureau vehicles. The following regulations apply only to FEB’s sworn law enforcement personnel operating their assigned FEB work vehicles. These rules are not applicable to other personnel who operate FEB vehicles, as off-duty use is not permitted for such personnel.

A. Off-duty travel will be permitted within the State of Maryland for members of the employee’s immediate family and FEB personnel. In addition, other passengers may be permitted subject to the approval of the employee’s supervisor.

B. Employees who operate department motor vehicles are prohibited from making emergency runs while vehicles are occupied by non-official passengers. Passengers must first be deposited at a safe location before emergency runs are initiated. This procedure shall not apply when other police officers or injured or ill persons are riding as passengers in a department vehicle wile the operator is making an emergency run in the interest of protecting life and property.

C. Personnel operating department vehicles off-duty will monitor the primary operating frequency of the Maryland State Police (MSP) barrack areas through which they travel. This procedure will enable such units to be aware of those incidents which occur in the area of travel that may require an emergency response.

D. In serious cases, if immediate action is necessary, the off-duty agent will take necessary action and notify the local MSP barrack. Follow-through may entail being placed in an off-duty status for obvious reasons.

E. When law enforcement employees are off-duty and are either the operator or passenger in a department vehicle, they shall carry their issued or approved firearm.

F. Agents, while off-duty and operating a department vehicle, should be appropriately attired to perform their investigative functions while at the same time presenting a favorable image. The only exception to this would be when an agent is undertaking a special assignment or covert investigation.

G. FEB vehicles will not be utilized by off-duty agents or passengers having consumed or intending to consume alcoholic beverages or drugs that may impair the agent’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.

H.  FEB vehicles will not be used for carrying heavy or excessive loads and will not have objects protruding from the trunk or windows.

I. FEB owned trucks will not be used to haul personal goods or wares without the express written permission of the Director or designee.

J. FEB vehicles may be used for commuting to and from approved secondary employment locations but will not be used in conjunction with any secondary employment activity and must be parked in a position to be unobtrusive and secure.

III. CANCELLATION

None.