GOB Vehicle Policy
GOB Vehicle Policy
GOB Vehicle Policy 2025 – Summary
Policy Statement
The Government of Belize emphasizes its duty to manage motor vehicles used for public business with integrity, care, and accountability. These assets belong to the citizens, so those entrusted with their use must act prudently, follow applicable laws and regulations, and adhere to established policies. The policy lays out clear responsibilities, monitoring steps, and procedures to address any misuse, aiming to safeguard public resources and ensure value for money while maintaining public trust in government transportation. (Page 3)
Introduction, Background, Purpose and Scope
The Public Service relies on vehicles as essential tools to implement policies and support daily operations across ministries, departments, units, and agencies. Recognizing that some individuals have misused government vehicles in the past, the Assets and Utilities Management Unit developed this policy to establish a formal framework for proper use, accountability, and oversight. (Page 4)
The purpose of the policy is to provide explicit guidelines that support the prudent management of government-owned vehicles, clarify legal obligations for users, and define daily care and usage practices to keep vehicles reliable and safe. (Page 4)
The scope of the policy covers officers who operate or have access to government vehicles. Oversight is assigned to the Finance Officer, Administrative Officer, or another designated officer within each Ministry, Department, Unit, or Agency to promote fleet safety and prevent accidents. (Page 4)
Definitions
Key terms are defined to establish clear roles and expectations: an Accounting Officer controls budgeted expenditures; an Administrative Officer handles human resources, records, and general administration; a Finance Officer provides support to the Accounting Officer; a Designated Officer is empowered to assign government-owned vehicles; a Government-owned Vehicle refers to any motorized transport owned, leased, or rented by the Government; and a Driver is a public or contract officer authorized to operate a vehicle on the Government’s behalf under regulatory provisions. (Page 4)
Responsibilities and Accountability – Roles of Officers
The Finance Officer, Administrative Officer, or Designated Officer is charged with overseeing all government-owned vehicles, coordinating usage, and ensuring records are current. They must identify suitable public officers for vehicle authorization, ensuring candidates have at least three years of driving experience and hold a valid license appropriate to the vehicle. They are also responsible for vehicle maintenance, mileage monitoring, scheduling services, and coordinating licenses and insurance with assistance from the AUMU. (Page 5)
The Driver bears the responsibility to comply with the Vehicle Policy, maintain a valid driver’s license (and Government Operators Permit where required), perform basic vehicle upkeep, report any traffic incidents or damages promptly, observe Belizean and other applicable traffic laws, ensure the vehicle remains roadworthy, and immediately inform the FO/AO/DO of any concerns about the vehicle. (Page 5)
The Asset and Utilities Management Unit (AUMU) oversees all government assets and plays a role in approving individuals to drive by consulting with the FO, AO, and/or DO to ensure proper authorization. (Page 5)
Accountability is assigned to the FO, AO, or DO to administer the guidelines, oversee vehicle usage within their ministry, emphasize adherence to the policy, and keep department heads informed of any changes so that supervisory staff can convey expectations to all public officers and contractors under their supervision. (Page 5)
General Procedures – Assignment of Vehicles
In line with the policy, vehicles are government property and are not personal assets. The Assets and Utilities Management Unit assigns government-owned vehicles to Ministries and Departments based on the need to deliver timely public services. Vehicle use during work hours should align with job responsibilities, and pool vehicles should be managed to reflect departmental workloads and priorities. (Page 7)
During emergencies or disasters, all pool vehicles must be made available to the Ministry of Finance upon request or as needed for assignment to the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) or other tasks deemed necessary by the Financial Secretary. This ensures rapid response and continuity of government operations. (Page 7)
