Who Should Be Driving Church-Owned or Church-Rented Vehicles?

Q: Who should be driving church-owned or church-rented vehicles?

First Church is taking a trip to a youth event across the state. In total, twenty-four (24) minors and six (6) adults are taking the trip. Of the adults, three (3) are college students under 21 years-old. Who should be allowed to drive church-owned or church-rented vehicles on the trip?

A: Only drivers who have successfully completed a church transportation application and passed a background check should be allowed to drive church-owned or church-rented vehicles.

Here are six (6) important, suggested guidelines for your church to follow in selecting drivers for church-owned or church-rented vehicles:

• Must be over 21 years of age.

• Must have not have had more than one at-fault accident in the last three years.

• Must not have a reckless driving violation on his or her driving record in the last five years.

• Must be properly licensed for the type of vehicle being driven.

• Must complete a Driver Application and Screening Form.

• Must abide by all traffic laws, rules, and regulations.

In addition, it should be noted that the following rules should apply to church-sponsored trips:

• Church-owned vehicles may only be used for Church-approved activities. The appropriate vehicle reservation must be approved prior to each trip.

• One driver is sufficient for round trips involving less than 300 miles driven in one day.

• Two drivers are required for trips involving more than 300 miles driven in one day.

• Every passenger must be buckled in at all times. Under no circumstances shall the number of passengers exceed the number of seat belts.

Finally, while not directly related to the question posed here, the driver should be responsible for obtaining parental consent and release of liability forms prior to the trip for all minors.

To request a free copy of a Transportation Policy, please CLICK HERE.