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Slow Moving Vehicles

The University of Central Florida is committed to promoting a culture of safety that is embraced by the entire campus community and supports the educational mission of the university by making all UCF campuses a safe place to live, learn, teach, work, and visit. To support this culture of safety, the university has established standards related to the operation of slow-moving vehicles (SMV).

Section 320.01(41) Florida Statutes, defines low-speed vehicles as any four-wheeled vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour, but not greater than 25 miles per hour. LSVs must be registered, titled, and insured. LSVs may be operated only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less and must be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, and seat belts.

Slow-moving vehicles (SMV) are vehicles which have no less than four wheels, a maximum speed of 25mph, and are used to move people, equipment, and materials around university property when conducting university business. Examples include golf carts, low speed vehicles, GEM carts, and utility carts such as Mules, Gators, and Rangers. This definition includes electric and gas-powered SMVs. Use of SMVs must be in accordance with the standards below.

Operating Standards

  • Operators must:
    • Be a UCF, direct support organization (DSO) employee, or UCF registered volunteer
      • Any exception must be reviewed and approved by the Office of Enterprise Risk and Insurance
    • Be 18 years or older and have a valid, unrestricted Florida driver’s license
    • Obey all traffic laws and signs
    • Avoid driving through buildings, breezeways, covered walkways or on any landscaped area (Prohibition regarding driving on landscaped areas does not apply to forklifts, aerial lifts, landscape tractors, or lawn mowers.)
  • Operators are prohibited from the following:
    • Hand-held use of a mobile device while operating SMV
    • Use of radio/audio headsets or ear buds
    • Use for personal business
  • All vehicles shall be operated within the confines of the campus footprint in such a manner that they do not impede or interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow
  • Pedestrians will be given the right-of-way at all times
  • All vehicles shall be maintained in proper working condition
  • SMV occupants must wear seatbelt, if provided, while the SMV is being operated
  • All SMV occupants must keep arms, hands, legs, and feet inside the SMV when it is in operation. The driver will advise riders of elevation changes or hazards such as curbs, speed bumps, and other hazards that have the potential to injure a rider
  • No parking is allowed in:
    •  Fire lanes
    • ADA accessible parking spaces and ramps
    • Within 20 feet of the main entrance / exit of any building in a manner that would impede safe discharge of building occupants in the event of an emergency (Any extension cord used to charge electric vehicles must be properly secured and cannot create a tripping hazard.)
    • Reserved parking spots
  • All incidents resulting in bodily injury, property damage, or vehicle damage must be reported to operator’s supervisor, UCF Police Department, and the Office of Enterprise Risk and Insurance.

Driving Safety

Operators of SMVs are required to leverage techniques to reduce the likelihood of a collision or incident. At a minimum, operators shall:

  • Operate SMVs at a safe speed given the operating conditions
  • In crowded areas, maintain operating speed consistent with slowest moving pedestrian
  • Stop at all blind intersections and then proceed with caution
  • Leverage crosswalks when approaching or crossing major campus roadways
  • Yield the right of way to pedestrian traffic
  • Ensure other drivers have seen the SMV prior to progressing
  • Verify safety prior to all turns – look over the shoulder in the direction of travel prior to the turn to check for motor vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, or scooters.
  • Avoid transporting oversized loads, cargo unsuitable for the SMV, or any load that creates a tipping or visibility hazard
  • Remove and secure the vehicle ignition key to prevent unauthorized use.

Training

Each SMV operator is required to individually view the online basic utility vehicle safety video. While viewing the utility vehicle safety video is required for SMV operators, other training may also be required based on your department or vehicle. Please check with your supervisor regarding additional training requirements.

Prior to use of a slow-moving vehicle, operators are encouraged to conduct a vehicle inspection. A recommended checklist of both visible and functional inspection items is available here.

Supervisors should ensure operators have viewed the utility vehicle safety video and SMVs are ready for use. Departments shall maintain the list of drivers who are approved to operate slow moving vehicles assigned to the department.

Questions regarding operation and use of slow-moving vehicles or training can be sent to the Office of Enterprise Risk and Insurance.