Legalities of an Owner Driving Their Own Business Fleet Vehicles

Can a business owner legally hire themselves as a driver for their fleet vehicles, even if they are the owner of the business? The answer is yes, provided certain conditions are met. This article explores the regulations and requirements to ensure compliance and safety within a business setting.

Legal Hiring and Driving Requirements

An owner of a business certainly has the legal right to drive their own fleet vehicles. However, certain conditions must be satisfied before they can undertake this responsibility. Firstly, the owner must possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which is required for operating commercial vehicles. Additionally, the owner must have a valid medical card, as well as be in compliance with all legal requirements, such as not engaging in illegal drug use.

The hiring of the owner as a driver does not constitute a formal employment contract, but rather an internal arrangement. The owner will be responsible for maintaining a clean driving record and adhering to all traffic laws and company policies.

Driver Screening and Record Management

The company is committed to ensuring the safety of its fleet and its employees. As such, all drivers, including the owner, must undergo a thorough background check on their motor vehicle records upon employment and at least every six months thereafter. This process is designed to identify any potential safety concerns and to ensure continued compliance with company policies and legal requirements.

Drivers must have a valid driver’s license to operate any company vehicle or a personal vehicle while on company business. If a driver uses a personal vehicle for company-related tasks, they are responsible for maintaining appropriate insurance coverage. This policy ensures that any vehicle involved in an accident or violation can be adequately covered.

Criteria for Acceptable Driving Records

The company has established clear criteria for acceptable driving records to maintain a high standard of safety and responsibility. These criteria include the following:

**Moving Violations:** Three or more moving violations within a year.

**Accidents:** Three or more chargeable accidents within a year. A chargeable accident is when the driver is determined to be the primary cause of the accident, regardless of contributing factors such as weather or mechanical problems.

**Combination of Violations and Accidents:** Any combination of violations and accidents that may indicate an unsafe or irresponsible driving pattern.

Violations defined by the company include any traffic tickets, other law enforcement proceedings, or any independent evidence of violations deemed relevant by the security department. These violations must be reported within 72 hours to the security and fleet offices.

Reporting and Immediate Action

In the event that an employee’s driving privileges are revoked or suspended, they are required to immediately notify the security and fleet offices by 9 a.m. eastern time the next business day and immediately discontinue the operation of any company vehicle. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary actions, including termination of employment.

Conclusion

In summary, a business owner can legally drive their fleet vehicles as long as they meet the necessary requirements, undergo regular background checks, and maintain a clean driving record. The company's fleet safety committee is responsible for reviewing driving records to ensure compliance with safety and policy standards. This comprehensive approach ensures the safety of all parties involved while allowing business owners to operate their businesses efficiently.

Key Terms:

Legal driving of business vehicles

CDL requirements

Driving record management