UT Transportation Services
Students must be employed by The University of Tennessee and hold a valid driver’s license to be eligible to operate a University vehicle. The University provides general liability coverage for employees injured while on official business. However, in the case of an automobile accident, injured parties must make an appeal to the State Board of Claims for compensation. If the operator is found negligent in an accident, he/she is considered liable for suit, not the University. It is advisable for employees to carry personal liability coverage which provides protection in any vehicle. Students or others not employed by the University who are riding in the UT vehicle are not provided coverage by the state.
The University of Tennessee Fleet Management provides vehicles varying from subcompacts to vans and four‑wheel drive trucks for project use. Vehicles must be reserved and payment arranged in advance of the desired date of use. Vehicles can be returned after hours by parking the vehicle in the Fleet Management lot and placing the keys, credit cards, and receipts in the box provided at the back door. Vehicles are serviced by Fleet Management personnel prior to use to ensure safe and reliable operation. Fuel should be obtained from the Fleet Management facility when in town. When out of town, fuel can be purchased with the credit card supplied with the vehicle, following regulations in force at the time. Only some gas stations will honor the vehicle credit card, so check before pumping the fuel. A 1-800 number is listed on the card if assistance is needed to locate a participating gas station. All receipts must be returned with the vehicle, and the vehicle must be returned in “essentially the same condition” as when it was picked up.
School Vehicles
Certain faculty members have vehicles assigned to them for use on research projects. Each faculty member has different requirements for the respective vehicle(s) and must be contacted by the student prior to use.
