Company Vehicles

Company Car

Proper etiquette for driving a company car

By Rob O’Hannon

There are accepted rules of etiquette for driving a company car, and those who ignore the rules risk alienation by fellow employees, censure by supervisors and potential financial and legal penalties imposed by the company.

The rules of company car etiquette can vary from situation to situation, but common sense generally should prevail.

Etiquette for shared company cars:

  • The car is not your personal office. Do not “accessorize” it with bumper stickers, cute air fresheners, or anything else that is not standard equipment. Do not leave flyers, brochures, or other items in the glove compartment or trunk for your next trip.
  • The car should be returned with a full tank of gas. This should be regardless of what the gas situation was like when you picked it up.
  • The car should be returned clean. This means no litter; coffee cups, fast foot containers, etc. The car should be completely cleaned out when you return it.
  • Make sure you fill out the required use documents. Most companies have a log for each car to record reasons for use, mileage, insurance, etc. Take a minute to fill it out.
  • Check for and report any damage to the car prior to use.
  • Report unusual noises, malfunctioning equipment, or other safety concerns as soon as possible after use.
  • You should only use the size of car you need. If your company has a car and a van, and it’s only you driving, take the car and leave the van for more appropriate multi-passenger use.
  • Book the car in advance. Don’t assume it will be there when you want it, or that your need can bump others out of using the car.
  • Turn down or turn off the radio when driving.

Etiquette for assigned company cars:

  • Adopt the attitude that the car may be there for your use, but it is not yours.
  • The car’s interior and exterior should be maintained in a style that best represents the company, and not your personal or political tastes.
  • Before using the car, consider the risks associated with the use for each situation.

Dos and Don’ts for a company car:

  • Do remove the keys and lock the doors.
  • Don’t leave a running car unattended.
  • Do park the car in as safe a spot as possible.
  • Don’t use the car to go to a party.
  • Do use caution when opening the car door.
  • Don’t drive the car into dangerous areas unless on necessary and authorized business.
  • Do maintain the car according to service manual recommendations.
  • Don’t ignore warning lights.
  • Do know where and how necessary services can be accessed.
  • Don’t loan the car to friends or family.
  • Do offer / encourage carpooling with fellow employees when practical and allowed.