Creating a Compliant Authorized Passenger Policy

Frequently clients inquire about the limitations and allowances of passengers inside their truck.  We at the Navigator Truck Insurance Agency recommend that non-employee passengers not be allowed in vehicles operated under your authority.  However, if a passenger program is considered an essential element in the retention of quality drivers, we recommend that you have a well planned, well documented, and consistently followed passenger policy in place as a risk management practice to reduce your exposure to claims made by non-employee passengers.  In addition a passenger policy should also comply with requirements outlined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act.

Per Section 392.60(a) of the Act, drivers must have specific authorization from the motor carrier in order to bring a passenger along in the truck.  The motor carrier should issue their authorization to transport in writing and include the following elements:

  1. The name of passenger
  2. The beginning and ending points of transport
  3. The date when the drivers authority to transport a person will expire

Written authorization is not required when a fellow employee has been assigned to ride along in a vehicle or if the driver is transporting someone who is providing aid as the result of an accident or emergency.

The Department of Transportation’s interpretation of the Rule provides that the written authorization does not have to be in the truck, but simply on file at the motor carrier’s office.  However, it would be a best practice to require that a copy accompany the driver.

Would you like assistance developing an Authorized Passenger Policy?  Call us now at (800) 596-TRUCK (8782).  At the Navigator Truck Insurance Agency we work hard to be accessible, helpful and result oriented.

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