ODG02060 - Guidance for official drivers: Unauthorised use of official/hire vehicles

The use of an official/hire vehicle, other than for authorised business journeys and/or for the carriage of authorised passengers or goods on Departmental business, is strictly forbidden.

It is not permissible to use an official/hire vehicle for any private purpose, eg from a hotel in the evening to travel to a restaurant or for sports and social club events.

Official drivers in charge of an official/hire vehicle must clearly understand that in the event of an accident or incident during any unofficial or unauthorised journey, or the carriage of unauthorised passengers, the driver concerned may:

• not be covered by the Departmental Insurance Provisions or the Departmental Injury Benefit scheme, and as a result, may be liable to criminal charges;
• be held liable for the value of the vehicle if rendered a total loss or for the cost of any repair to the official/hire vehicle and any third party’s property;
• have to arrange their own defence in any legal proceedings taken against them;
• be liable to prosecution for contravention of the insurance and licensing provisions of the Road Traffic Act; and
• be subject to Departmental disciplinary procedures.