State Vehicle Safety Program Reminder

Arkansas Insurance Department Asa Hutchinson Allen Kerr Governor Commissioner 1200 West Third Street, Little Rock, AR 72201-1904 · (501) 371-2600 · (501) 371-2618 fax · www.insurance.arkansas.gov Information (800) 282-9134 · Consumer Services (800) 852-5494 · Seniors (800) 224-6330 · Criminal Inv. (866) 660-0888 December 6, 2019 BULLETIN NO.: 16 -2019 TO: ALL STATE AGENGIES, CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND PUBLIC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION PARTTICIPATING IN THE ARKANSAS MULTI AGENCY INSURANCE TRUST FUND VEHICLE INSURANCE POLICY; ALL STATE EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATING IN THE ARKANSAS STATE VEHICLE SAFETY PROGRAM; AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES FROM: ARKANSAS INSURANCE DEPARTMENT SUBJECT: AMENDMENT TO THE STATE VEHICLE SAFETY PROGRAM AFFECTING STATE EMPLOYEES RECEIVING A TICKET FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI), DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED (DWI), OR ANY TYPE OF DRIVING WITHOUT A VALID LICENSE __________________________________________________ The State of Arkansas has invested heavily in its fleet of vehicles. As such, it is in the best interests of all state employees and hardworking Arkansas taxpayers that state-owned vehicles be operated in a safe and efficient manner. As the administrator of the Arkansas Multi Agency Insurance Trust Fund (AMAIT) Vehicle Insurance Policy (Ark. Code Ann. § 25-35-105) and the Arkansas State Vehicle Safety Program (VSP), the Arkansas Insurance Department is issuing this bulletin to remind state government agencies and employees participating in the VSP of the following amendment to § II(D)(6) that became effective in January 2018: 6. Drivers Who Receive a Ticket for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or any type of Driving Without a License – Authorization to drive on state business shall be suspended for drivers who receive a ticket for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or any type of Driving Without a License. Authorization may be reinstated only after evaluation and approval by the State Insurance Commissioner. A Defensive Driving Course approved by Agency Director must be completed within sixty (60) days after the suspension began with written confirmation of course completion sent to Agency Director. Per § I of the VSP, all state agencies participating in the AMAIT Vehicle Insurance Policy shall participate in the program. Additionally, all drivers operating a state vehicle or private vehicle on state business shall participate in the VSP. Agency directors are advised to notify your employees that reauthorization to operate any vehicle for state business following a violation of § II(D)(6) may be reinstated “only after evaluation and approval by the State Insurance Commissioner.” The Department reminds agency directors and employees that all drivers participating in the VSP have signed the required VSP-1 form acknowledging the statement that “I understand that because of my driving record I may not be permitted to drive on State business.” The Department reminds fellow state employees as to the dangers of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) not only to state property and the general public, but to the performance of their state job duties. For those in positions where driving a state vehicle is an essential function, a violation of § II(D)(6) may result in a termination of employment. Those with questions may contact the Risk Management Division at 501-371-2690. December 6, 2019 ALLEN KERR DATE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER STATE OF ARKANSAS