Know the Rules Regarding Exchange- and Government-Owned Vehicles
It’s midnight and you’ve just landed at your TDY destination after multiple delays and a long flight. You’re tired, hungry and want to check into your hotel as soon as possible. But first you need to stop at the car rental desk to pick up your rental for the week. As you’re handed the keys, you vaguely remember something about rental cars during your annual ethics briefing. That’s right—rental cars paid for by the Exchange are government-owned vehicles (GOVs) and may be used for official purposes only.
So what is “official purpose”? ESR 50-01, Vehicle Management, provides some helpful pointers regarding what constitutes official purpose. According to Exchange policy, when TDY, an Exchange vehicle (i.e. rental cars), may be used for visiting duty sites; travel to and from lodging, dining facilities (including restaurants within a reasonable distance from lodging—more on that later); drugstores; barber and beauty shops; places of worship (within a reasonable distance); laundry and dry cleaning establishments; and similar places required for the traveler’s subsistence, health, or comfort.
Hold on a sec … does this mean you can drive 90 miles away to that famous steak restaurant that has a 72-oz. steak challenge, where if you can eat the steak within one hour, it’s free? Sorry to burst your bubble, but no, that would not be a reasonable distance, and would violate the Exchange vehicle rules. What’s more, violators are subject to adverse disciplinary action, to include at a minimum a mandatory 30-day suspension. So next time forgo the giant rib-eye—you’ll thank me later.
The same goes for places of worship. Driving 150 miles to attend a famous church that you’ve always wanted to visit would fall outside the scope of the TDY location. Keep in mind, the issue is not with attending that particular church. Rather, this would not be a reasonable distance by any measure and would violate the rules regarding operating an Exchange-funded rental vehicle.
Finally, you may also be wondering if the rules for GOVs extend to Exchange staff vehicles. The answer is YES. Furthermore, unless previously authorized, home-to-work, or work-to-home transportation using Exchange vehicles is prohibited. Even if it would be more convenient, or would save the Exchange money, its still not allowed. However, there are exceptions, which must be approved in advance. Some exceptions include when associates are performing field work, or if there is a clear and present danger, an emergency, or compelling operational considerations.
As with most things, common sense applies. If you don’t think the travel would constitute “official purpose,” chances are, it doesn’t. When in doubt, you can always reach out to ethics@aafes.com if you have specific questions. Safe and happy travels.
