Vehicle Operation

Failure to follow Cornell policy could result in not being protected by Legal Defense and Indemnification.

Personal Vehicles

Using personal vehicles for University business is highly discouraged. If you use your own vehicle, it is your responsibility to carry adequate personal insurance coverage for yourself, your vehicle, and any passengers. A traveler should review his/her personal insurance coverage prior to using his/her vehicle for university business. The vehicle owner’s insurance will be primary for any accident, bodily injury and/or physical damage and is not reimbursable by the University. Passengers should be informed that they are using the vehicle voluntarily.

Low Speed Vehicles

New Required Training for Golf Cart and UTV Operators

After some recent issues involving the use of golf carts and UTVs on campus, Cornell has developed a training video to ensure all operators understand how to use these vehicles safely and responsibly.

EHS 2106 – Low Speed Vehicles is a required course for anyone who operates a low-speed vehicle, such as a golf cart or utility task vehicle (UTV), on behalf of the university. Whether you’re navigating campus walkways or working in off-road areas, operating these vehicles comes with real safety responsibilities.

This short training will provide the essential knowledge and practical tips needed to reduce risks, protect passengers, and ensure the safety of others around you.

This course is required for anyone operating low-speed vehicles on behalf of Cornell University.

Visit EH&S Training to enroll or contact ehs_web@cornell.edu for more information.

Rental Vehicles

Cornell faculty, staff, and students may rent vehicles from an external rental agency. The renter must verify that the following are included in the rental agreement:

Collision or Loss Damage Waiver – This insurance protects against damage that may happen to the vehicle you have rented.

Liability Insurance –  This insurance protects you and the University against claims made by third parties for property damage (other vehicles) and/or personal injury.

These coverages are included when renting from a Cornell Preferred rental company.

University Vehicles

Cornell faculty, staff, and students are required to adhere to the following when needing to drive University vehicles and/or driving on behalf. All drivers (including faculty and staff) must have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Review University Policy 3.2 – Use of Cornell Vehicles.

Register with Fleet Services: All Cornell faculty, staff, and students needing to drive University vehicles are required to register with Fleet Services.

• Faculty and staff do not need Risk Management and Insurance’s approval to drive University vehicles. However, you must hold a current, valid driver’s license and provide proof of comprehensive automobile insurance.
• Students must obtain Risk Management and Insurance approval before driving University vehicles (including rentals) or driving on behalf of Cornell.
• All students are required to take RMI 2100 Defensive Driving.
• Independent student clubs/groups are not allowed to rent fleet vehicles. Please refer to the Universal Guidelines for Student Organizations.

Commercial Motor Vehicles

The Cornell University Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) program has been established to maintain compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Learn more about the Cornell University Commercial Motor Vehicle Program.

9 to 15 Passenger Vehicles

Vehicles designed or used to transport 9 to 15 passengers, not for direct compensation, are exempt from many of the CMV regulations but not all. Learn more about vehicles designed or used to transport 9-15 passengers.

In addition to the requirement to register as a university driver, there are additional requirements:

• Visit CU Learn and complete the course “RMI 2105 Defensive Driving – Passenger Van”
  • Submit a copy of the Certificate of Completion to DOT Specialist WL68@cornell.edu
• Students Only: must complete a road test using a 9-15 passenger van
  • Complete the Van Road Test form (testers approved by EHS only)
  • Submit the form to DOT Specialist WL68@cornell.edu

For more information, contact Bill R. Leonard, Jr
DOT Specialist
Email: wl68@cornell.edu
Phone: 607/255-5616

Vehicle Registrations and Titles

Fleet Services maintains University-owned vehicle Registrations and Titles (this includes unit “owned” vehicles).

Contact: Heather Jordan 607-255-4842

The original vehicle registration and title need to go to Fleet Services, with a copy of the registration remaining in the vehicle.

An insurance card is required to be kept in the vehicle. Insurance Cards are available from Fleet Services. If you are traveling to Canada, please request a Canadian vehicle insurance card from the Office of Risk Management & Insurance.

Traffic fines, court costs, parking violations, etc. are not reimbursable.

Operating a Vehicle Internationally

Please Note: Students who wish to drive Internationally on behalf of Cornell are required to get RMI’s approval at least 30 days before departure.

For information about the use of vehicles abroad, contact the Office of Risk Management and Insurance.