LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
  Policy 904.01 County-Owned Vehicle Control
 
Policy Category:  Administrative
Distribution Level:  Directly Operated
Responsible Party:  Administrative Support Bureau
 
Approved by Edgar M. Soto, MBA, CSP, Administrative Deputy III, on March 10, 2020
 
I.  POLICY STATEMENTS
 
To provide procedures for the usage of County-owned vehicles for authorized Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH/Department) staff who operate those vehicles.

This policy describes in detail the importance of knowing and complying with State and local laws as a driver and operator of motor vehicles. In addition, information regarding financial responsibility, traffic citations, and accident report procedures are included.
 
II.  DEFINITION
 
County-Owned Vehicles: Automobiles, vans, and trucks that belong to the County of Los Angeles and which may be driven only by authorized DMH staff for the purpose of conducting County business.
 
III.  POLICY
 
It is the policy of Los Angeles County to establish and enforce formal written procedures to control Departmental usage of County-owned vehicles.

DMH will formalize in writing, the responsibilities of the Departmental Vehicle Coordinator, the Facility (local) Vehicle Coordinators, and the vehicle operators.

No County-owned vehicles may be driven outside of Los Angeles County without the express permission of the Director of DMH or his/her designee.

Overnight usage of County-owned vehicles is strictly prohibited.

Whenever possible, mileage permittees will use their personal vehicles for County business. For details of exceptions, review DMH Policy 304.04, Transportation of Consumers and Their Family Members. 

Disciplinary procedures shall be applied in accordance with the DMH Employee Evaluation and Discipline Guidelines.
  • The driver of a County-owned vehicle is personally responsible for any parking or moving violations received during the time the vehicle is assigned to him/her. Failure to pay such tickets will result in disciplinary action.
     
  • The driver of a County-owned vehicle MUST report any accident and/or vehicle damage noted on the “County of Los Angeles Report of Vehicle Collision or Incident.” The completed form must be delivered to the DMH Administrative Support Bureau (ASB) within 24 hours of the accident/occurrence at:

    Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Administrative Support Bureau
    550 S. Vermont Avenue, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90020
     
  • DMH ASB shall be responsible for processing vehicle accident reports through appropriate channels.
IV.  PROCEDURES
 
V.  AUTHORITIES
 
VI.  ATTACHMENTS