Traffic and Parking Regulations 2011 - 2012

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POLICY GOVERNING USE AND OPERATION OF NONCONVENTIONAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish operational guidelines for the use and operation of nonconventional modes of transportation on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi and to establish equipment needs, both required and optional, regarding these modes of transportation.

II. POLICY

1. Nonconventional mode of transportation is defined as any motorized vehicle, gas or electric-powered, that is used to transport people, equipment or other goods. EXAMPLE: golf carts, ATV’s, lawn mowers, etc.
2. These nonconventional modes of transportation will be operated in accordance with the “Rules of the Road” used by conventional modes of transportation.
3. Operators will not use sidewalks as transportation routes. Sidewalks can only be utilized when destination has been reached to accommodate delivery of goods or services, drop-off and pickup, or when job description/equipment allows for use in grass/sidewalk or for parking.
4. When parking, utilize area at your destination that will not impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Do not park in a designated parking space, in the roadway, or in any tow-away zone as described in the “Traffic and Parking Regulations.”
5. Operation will be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, and there will be no modification to manufacturer’s safety equipment, e.g., speed governors.
6. All equipment on nonconventional modes of transportation will be maintained in good working order.
7. Nonconventional modes of transportation will be properly marked with department/division name and unit number assigned by Motor Pool that would be visible from a minimal distance of 25 feet.
8. The following equipment will be utilized on all nonconventional modes of transportation dependent on time and purpose of use. (Required or Optional)
• windshield (required for golf carts, optional on all others)
• flashing yellow caution light affixed to top or above roof (required)
• rearview mirror (required)
• headlights and rear lights/reflectors (optional for daytime use only, required for nighttime operation)
• reflective triangular placard for equipment (required)
• horn (optional)
• weather enclosure (optional)
9. Limit operators of nonconventional modes of transportation to personnel who have a valid driver’s license.
10. Limit capacity of the cart to manufacturer’s specifications.
11. Driver and passenger(s) are to remain seated at all times while moving and keep hands and feet inside at all times.
12. When reversing, make sure to look behind you before doing so.
13. When leaving the transportation unattended, remove the key and set the parking brake at all times.
14. Stop transportation completely before exiting.

PROCEDURE

All current employees and new hires whose job descriptions allow use of nonconventional modes of transportation will submit information to the University Police Department for a driver’s license check for validation. Employees will read and then sign that they understand the policy regarding the use of noncoventional modes of transportation.

Violations of this policy will be forwarded to the appropriate school dean or department director with whom the nonconventional mode of transportation is assigned. All disciplinary action will be handled in accordance with The University of Southern Mississippi disciplinary policy.

BICYCLE AND MOTORCYCLE POLICY

Regulations have been established to provide for the orderly movement and parking of bicycles/motorcycles on campus. In using bicycles/motorcycles on campus, the rights and safety of others should be considered at all times.

Bicycles/motorcycles shall follow state and local regulations governing movement and operation.

Bicycle/motorcycle riders are subject to the same rules and regulations as motor vehicle operators and should ride on the right-hand side of the street, obey all traffic signals and signs, and give proper hand signals.

Operating any vehicle, motorcycle, motorbike or bicycle during hours of darkness without proper headlights, taillights or reflectors is forbidden.

All operators of motorcycles, motorbikes or similar types of cycles and all passengers of these vehicles are required to wear helmets while the vehicle is in operation.

All operators of any type of motor vehicle or bicycle shall yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles and pedestrians.

Bicycles/motorcycles will be parked and secured or chained to bicycle/motorcycle racks/pads only.

Bicycles/motorcycles may not be operated, secured, chained or parked inside buildings, near doorways or entrances to buildings, on sidewalks, handicap ramps, handrails, light poles, fence/sign posts, stairwells, shrubs, trees, lawns, in pedestrian paths, in any location impeding pedestrian and vehicular movement, or in such a way as to create a hazard.

Abandoned bicycles/motorcycles will be picked up and impounded at regular intervals. Bicycles/motorcycles may be considered abandoned if they are not moved or relocated within 30 days or are not in operable condition.

The university assumes no responsibility for the care and protection of any bicycles/motorcycles or attached accessories or contents at any time the bicycle/motorcycle is operated or parked on campus.

Failure to comply with these rules and regulations will result in impoundment of bicycles/motorcycles, fines and towing. Neither the university nor its representatives will be held liable for any damage that occurs during removal or impoundment procedures. Bicycles will be removed or impounded by the University Police Department or University Safety Department and assessed a $25 fine. Motorcycles will be towed by the Department of Parking Management and assessed a $70 fine.

A bicycle/motorcycle may be claimed with proof of ownership at the Department of Parking Management or by contacting the University Police after 5 p.m. After 60 days, unclaimed bicycles may be disposed of or auctioned.

Bicycle/Motorcycle Permits

Permit Cost - $20 per academic year
Permit Cost - $50 non-expiring

Bicycles/motorcycles operated or possessed on campus must have a valid permit. The permit must be permanently affixed using only the permit adhesive and must be parked at a bicycle/motorcycle rack/pad, locked and in operable condition. The parking permit may be placed anywhere on the bicycle/motorcycle as long as it is visible.

To register your bicycle, you must have the serial number from the bike. This may be found in several different places on bikes depending on the make and model. The most common location for bike serial numbers is under the seat and underneath the pedals. Be sure to know the make, model, color and the style (male or female).

Motorcycle registration will follow the same process as the vehicle registration. Be sure to know the make, model, color and tag number.