18.J Utility Vehicles.
For the purposes of the Section, utility vehicles are defined as specialty vehicles designed to perform off-road utility tasks such as passenger and cargo transportation (e.g., rangers, rhino, m-gators, gators, mules, etc.) and must not be confused with ATVs. > See Section 18.I.
18.J.01 Utility vehicle operators must be trained.
- They must be familiar with the use of all controls and understand proper moving, stopping, turning and other operating characteristics of the vehicle.
- Operators must review all training materials provided by the manufacturer for the specific vehicles, and training should be in accordance with appropriate manufacturer recommendations. At a minimum, training must be documented and must address:
- (1) Basic riding tips from the manufacturer's published literature for each vehicle;
- (2) Reading terrain;
- (3) Climbing hilly terrain;
- (4) Descending a hill;
- (5) Traversing a slope;
- (6) Riding through water;
- (7) Cargo carriers and accessories;
- (8) Loading and unloading;
- (9) Troubleshooting;
- (10) Proper preventative maintenance (i.e., oil levels, tire pressure requirements and scheduled maintenance requirements according to the manufacturer's guidelines).
18.J.02 A copy of the operator's manual must be kept on the vehicle at all times and protected from the elements.
18.J.03 Utility vehicles must be equipped with:
- An adequate audible warning device (horn), in operable condition, at the operator's station; and
- Brake lights in operable condition regardless of light conditions.
- Operable rear view mirror(s).
18.J.04 Whenever visibility conditions warrant additional light, all vehicles, or combinations of vehicles, in use must be equipped with at least two headlights and two taillights in operable condition, a yellow flashing light or equivalent.
18.J.05 Occupancy in utility vehicles is limited to manufacturer designated seating that has built-in seat belts. Passengers may not ride in the vehicles back cargo area unless the vehicle is otherwise equipped.
Note: When used for emergency response, medical litters may be placed in the back cargo area but must be secured as described in Section 18.J.07.
18.J.06 The manufacturer's recommended load carrying capacity, personnel capacity, or maximum safe vehicle speed must not be exceeded at any time.
18.J.07 Cargo items will be secured as necessary to prevent movement/tipping. All loads over 50 lbs (22.7 kg) - to include medical litters - must be securely strapped to cargo tie-downs in the rear and to the cargo shelf in the front.
18.J.08 Manufacturer-installed safety equipment will be maintained in working order and used in compliance with the requirement of this regulation and in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
18.J.09 Seat belts and anchorages meeting the requirements of 49 CFR Part 571 (DOT, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) must be installed in all utility vehicles and will be worn by operators and passengers.
18.J.10 Operators and passengers must wear goggles at all times when a utility vehicle, not equipped with a windshield, is in motion.
18.J.11 Utility vehicles will not normally be driven on public roadways except to cross the roadway, and will only be driven on a public roadway at designated crossing points or with a road guard.
18.J.12 Utility vehicles that are allowed to operate outside a controlled work area and/or on public roads will meet the minimum vehicle safety standards in accordance with 49 CFR 571.5, to include rollover protection structures (ROPs), seat belts, and placement of "Slow Moving Vehicle" emblems where required.
18.J.13 When not equipped with ROPS, operators and passengers of utility vehicles will wear approved head protection (helmet) that at a minimum conforms to DOT 218 standards or equivalent and protective goggles or face shield.
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18-15. What must utility vehicles be equipped with whenever visibility conditions warrant additional light?
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