Use of 12- and 15-Passenger Vans

Scope

This applies to all campuses.

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Policy Statement

12-passenger and 15-passenger vans will not be used by Indiana University.

Cargo vans may be used but may not be equipped to carry more than 6 passengers. Additional seats shall not be added. All seats must be equipped with seatbelts.

Exception: If use is outside of North America and no other safe form of transportation is available (e.g., minivans, buses, sedans) then 12- or 15-passenger vans may be used. This must be ascertained before the trip and, if students and/or non-employees are included in the transportation, they must be made aware of the risks before they leave the country.

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Reason for Policy

There is compelling evidence that 12- and 15-passenger vans are unsafe to operate.

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Definitions

"University-owned" and "university" vehicles: This includes all vehicles owned, leased, or rented by Indiana University.

15-passenger van: A vehicle, such as a Ford E350 van, capable of carrying 15 people.

12-passenger van: A vehicle, such as a Ford E350 van, capable of carrying 12 people.

Cargo van: A vehicle, such as a Ford E350 van, of similar size to a 15-passenger van but configured primarily for hauling cargo and capable of carrying no more than 6 passengers.

Used (In the context of "using" a vehicle): Rented, leased, borrowed, driven, operated.

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Sanctions

Any person found in violation of this policy is subject to the university's disciplinary policies. In addition, any person who violates this policy will be deemed to be acting outside the scope of the Trustees Officer's Liability Insurance policy. In the event of a claim or suit arising from an accident involving the use of a 12-passenger or 15-passenger van employees and/or agents in violation of this policy will not be indemnified.

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History

The policy was issued in 2001. It was amended in 2011 to contemplate situations where no other viable form of mass transportation is available.

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