DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

OFFICE SYMBOL                                                                                      Date

MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION

SUBJECT: Battalion/Brigade Policy Memorandum #28 – Automobile Safety

1.	References.

a.	DOD 6055.04, DOD Traffic Safety Program, 20 April 2009.

b.	AR 190-5, Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, 22 May 2006.

c.	Rapid Action Revision (RAR 001), 25 February 2010, to DA PAM 385-40, Army Accident Investigation and Reporting, 6 March 2009.

d.	AR 385-10, The Army Safety Program, 23 August 2007.

2.	Applicability. This policy applies to any Soldier or Department of the Army Civilian assigned to the unit operating an automobile. 

3.	Policy.

a.	All units will include this policy as part of their unit Safety Program and display this policy letter on all unit bulletin boards.

b.	Licensing. All POVs must be properly licensed and insured. Soldiers with an expired or suspended civilian driver's license are not authorized to operate a POV and will comply with all applicable state laws regarding the registration of their POVs. Units will conduct POV inspections prior to a long (three or four-day) weekend. These inspections will include basic operational and safety features in addition to the above mentioned license and insurance requirements.

c.	Soldiers are prohibited from operating or occupying a vehicle on any military installation from which music or other audio is plainly audible at a distance of 100 feet or more from the vehicle. Soldiers are also prohibited from operating or occupying a vehicle on any military installation that emanates sound so loud as to disrupt the peace, good order, or tranquility of the surrounding environment. Music or other audio containing vulgar or obscene language will not be so loud as to be heard outside of the vehicle, regardless of distance.

d.	Soldiers will wear seat belts whether driving or riding in any vehicle (GOV and POV) on a military installation. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that all occupants of the GOV or POV wear seat belts.

e.	Any handling of a cell phone while driving on post is strictly forbidden. Hands free devices, speakerphone, or earpieces are the only authorized methods of using a cell phone while operating a POV.

f.	Vehicle operators will abide by all posted speed limits.

4.	This policy is punitive. Violators may be subject to punishment under Federal law or the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In addition, Soldiers in noncompliance with this policy who are injured in an automobile accident may be found to NOT be in the line of duty.

5.	The point of contact for this memorandum is the Battalion/Brigade Safety Officer at (123) 456-7890.

FIRST M. LAST 
XXX, XX
Commanding

DISTRIBUTION: