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Can You Use Valet Parking?
Every now and then we pause. We need to stop and think. Who’s driving now?
You are scheduled to attend a meeting at a downtown hotel. When you arrive, you notice that only valet parking is available. Can a valet drive a state car? Good question. Got you thinking. What’s the answer?
Who can drive a state car? Who are authorized drivers? What is the rule?
OAR 125-155 Vehicle Use and Access Rules tells us about authorized drivers. The most common types of drivers include state employees, official volunteers and agents, and Oregon University System students. Universities certify their student drivers. There are also minimum driver requirements. You must be 18 years or older, legally responsible, subject to an agency’s direction and control, hold an acceptable driving license and have permission from the driver’s agency to drive.
Generally speaking, at the legislature’s direction, access to a state vehicle is limited. That means you don’t turn the keys over to anyone else. There are rare exceptions. And then, only if the other party agrees to pay for any loss.
So where does the valet fit in the rules? It doesn’t. Now what?
There is a good chance that agencies face this dilemma from time to time. The Vehicle Use and Access Rules do not permit this type of driver in a state vehicle. You must think ahead. Is there a reasonable alternative to valet parking? What is the exposure to the agency if valet parking is used? What is the likelihood that something will go wrong?
Weigh your alternatives. There may be no reasonable alternative to valet parking. Use your best judgment. If a claim is filed, RMD will consider all aspects of the situation, to include the reasonable alternatives.
Valet parking is just one of many bumps in the road that agency drivers may face. Be prepared. Get good information and ask lots of questions. Plan ahead, be reasonable in decisions and we will too.
Learn more about vehicle use and access. Check out the Travel Kit RisKey.
Summer 00, Vol 13, No 4
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