Section 73.8. Operation of Commonwealth motor vehicles

(a) Motor vehicles of the Commonwealth Automotive Fleet shall be operated by authorized Commonwealth officers or employes who are properly licensed to drive a motor vehicle by the Commonwealth. Occupants of the vehicles shall also be authorized officers or employes of the Commonwealth or such members of the public or private sector as are necessary for the conduct of the official business for which the vehicle is being operated.

(b) Operators of Commonwealth motor vehicles will be held fully responsible for the proper operation of the vehicle and will be held primarily liable for any costs and damages caused by negligence or actions beyond the scope of authorized use.

(c) Operators of Commonwealth motor vehicles will be held primarily liable for costs of operation and repairs to or replacement of a Commonwealth motor vehicle when it is determined that the vehicle was used beyond the scope of its authorized use or has been physically abused by the operator. The requesting agency will be held secondarily liable for costs and damages resulting from the unauthorized use or physical abuse of a vehicle by the operators of that agency.

(d) The State Police, other Commonwealth employes, and citizens in general are authorized and encouraged to investigate and report to the Secretary any known or suspected violations in the operation of Commonwealth vehicles.

(e) Any operator of a Commonwealth vehicle is required to use the most direct route. Any deviation therefrom may result in suspension of the operator privileges under § 73.9 (relating to sanctions).

(f) Except for those assignments made under § 39.98 (relating to permanent assignments), all operators of Commonwealth vehicles shall restrict their use of the vehicle to Commonwealth business and should only drive the vehicles between duty locations and the Commonwealth dispatch station; however, if the Department finds it necessary and proper for the efficient execution of Commonwealth business that a vehicle be driven between duty locations and the residence of an operator, the extended use may be authorized if the operator shall:

(1) Abstain from using the vehicle for personal use.

(2) Carry only Commonwealth employes or the members of the public sector as are necessary for the conduct of the official business for which the vehicle is being operated.