EWU 603-06: Golf Carts and Utility Vehicles

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Health and Safety – Public Safety

EWU Policy 603-06	Authority: EWU Board of Trustees
Effective: May 15, 2026	Proponent: Vice President for Business & Strategy

Purpose:  This policy prescribes standards for the use of golf carts and utility vehicles on the campuses of Eastern Washington University and in other authorized areas. The intent of this policy is to prevent injuries to pedestrians, vehicle operators and passengers, and to reduce the risk of property damage.

History:  This policy supersedes the previous version dated November 19, 2010. It was adopted by the EWU Board of Trustees on May 15, 2026.

Applicability:  This policy applies to all golf carts and utility vehicles owned or leased by the University, operated on University premises, and/or operated by University employees, volunteers, contractors, vendors or agents.

Chapter 1 – Introduction

1-1. General

Departments at Eastern Washington University provide golf carts and/or utility vehicles to transport equipment and people, perform campus maintenance activities, and perform a variety of other tasks.

A golf cart or utility vehicle, as used in this policy, is defined as any vehicle, regardless of size or energy source, which is used primarily for the transportation of persons or cargo; and is generally recognizable as a passenger or utility type cart or vehicle. This policy does not apply to tractors or other machinery.

Knowledge of and compliance with this policy, applicable state laws and regulations, and related university policies are the responsibility of vehicle operators and passengers.  Noncompliance may result in suspension of user privileges, citations, or other disciplinary actions.

1-2. Authorized Use

The acquisition and use of golf carts and utility vehicles is limited to departments and operating units with a valid business need, such as transporting personnel, equipment, and/or supplies for University purposes.

a.  Operators of university-owned golf carts and utility vehicles must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. Operators must also be employees, volunteers, or students of EWU.

b.  Persons with medical conditions or disabilities that necessitate the use of a golf cart or utility vehicle may operate those vehicles as needed. Employees or students who need to use such vehicles on a continuing basis must obtain an appropriate accommodation through Human Resources or Student Accommodation and Support Services.

c.  Any outside entities or individuals wishing to use private golf carts on the EWU campus must contact the EWU Police Department for approval. All such golf cart users must adhere to this policy while on campus. Movement off of campus is at their own risk.

1-3. Training

Prior to operating a golf cart/utility vehicle, operators must successfully complete Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle safety training.

The Police Department will provide a training and certification program covering the safe use of golf carts and utility vehicles and the responsibilities of drivers.

1-4. Enforcement

1. University Police and designated law enforcement officers enforce the appropriate and safe operation of golf carts and utility vehicles. They may issue citations accordingly.
2. Parking services will enforce parking of golf carts and utility vehicles.  They may issue citations accordingly.
3. Failure of University employees to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action.
4. Vendors and contractors shall face sanctions appropriate to the terms of their contract with the University.

1-5. Accident Reporting

Accidents involving a golf cart or utility vehicle will be reported immediately to the University Police and to the operator’s supervisor, regardless of whether property damage or personal injury occurred.  Operators will complete an Incident Report, which can be found on the Environmental Health and Safety website, as soon as possible following the accident.  If the operator is unable to complete the Incident Report, the operator’s supervisor will work with University Police to ensure that the Incident Report is completed.

1-6. Responsibilities

1. Departments with assigned golf carts and/or utility vehicles will:
   • Ensure that all golf carts/utility vehicles and operators in their unit comply with the requirements of this policy.
   • Ensure that all equipment on the golf cart/utility vehicle is working properly and that the cart/utility vehicle is taken out of service when there are deficiencies that could contribute to an unsafe condition.
   • Ensure that vehicles are routinely inspected and maintained by the Facilities Automotive Shop or a Golf Cart service company.
2. Individuals who have been assigned to operate golf carts or utility vehicles will:
   • Complete the golf cart and utility vehicle safety training prior to operating a golf cart or utility vehicle.
   • Maintain a valid driver’s license.
   • Be personally responsible for any parking tickets or fines related to their use of a golf cart or utility vehicle.
3. The University Police Department will:
   • Monitor golf cart and utility vehicle operations on campus.
   • Issue citations and/or notify department heads of violations of this policy as deemed appropriate.
   • Coordinate university-wide compliance with this policy and facilitate required training. 

Chapter 2 – Equipment

2-1. Acquisition 

Procurement of golf carts and utility vehicles must be processed through the Purchasing department and have prior approval from the University Police Department, Risk Management, and the Automotive Shop. 

1. New vehicles (bought or extended lease) must include the following safety features:
   • Rear view mirror (for roofed carts)
   • Tail lights
   • Head lights
   • Horn
   • Seat belts.
2. Used vehicles must include (at a minimum) the following safety features:
   • Horn
   • Head lights (if used after dark)
   • Strobe (if used after dark)
   • Rear Reflectors
   • Seat belts
3. New golf carts must be approved by the Automotive Shop and/or the University Police for safety inspection and registration.   Registration information will include:
   • Name of department or operating unit
   • Make and type of vehicle
   • Serial Number
   • Business Purpose
4. All University-owned golf carts and utility vehicles must have an identification number assigned by the Automotive Shop. This number and the department’s name will be clearly visible on the vehicle.

2-2. Maintenance

1. Supervisors shall ensure that University-owned vehicles are inspected by the Automotive Shop or a golf cart/utility vehicle service company annually, and as needed to repair malfunctioning items.
2. Golf carts/utility vehicles which are leased shall be routinely inspected and maintained as recommended by the rental company and vehicle manufacturer to ensure that they are in proper working order and have all safety features.
3. Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles will not be modified in any manner that affects the recommended mode of operation, speed or safety of the vehicle.

2-3. Vehicle Fueling and Storage

All operators must receive department specific fueling instructions when applicable and after use of a vehicle operators are responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is returned to its assigned storage site and charged. Each of the storage sites will take into account machine specific hazards (e.g. flammability of fuel, off gassing of hydrogen from battery charging).

2-4. Insurance

Golf carts and utility vehicles being used for official university business are covered for liability through the State of Washington. However, insurance covering damage to the golf cart or utility vehicle must be obtained separately and paid for by the department. Questions about insurance should be directed to the risk manager at riskmanager@ewu.edu.