Under Order 461, when is personal use of agency vehicles generally allowed?

• A. Personal use is unrestricted.
• B. Personal use is allowed only with explicit approval with reimbursement or compliance as specified by policy.
• C. Personal use is allowed anytime as long as fuel is paid by employee.
• D. Personal use is generally restricted or prohibited and only allowed under explicit approvals with reimbursement or compliance as specified by policy.

Answer: (D)

Government vehicles are resources meant for official duties, not for casual personal use. Personal use is not allowed by default and is generally restricted or prohibited. It becomes permissible only when there is explicit, documented approval from the designated approving authority, with the employee reimbursing the government for costs incurred or following the specific reimbursement or cost-control requirements laid out by policy. This framework keeps the fleet accountable, prevents misuse, and ensures costs are managed properly. If no explicit authorization exists, personal use isn’t permitted. The other options skip the need for written authorization and cost recovery, which are core protections in the policy.