The Office of Public Auditor reminded government employees yesterday to use marked vehicles appropriately.
In a notice, Public Auditor Michae Pai said if an employee drives a government vehicle outside normal working hours, he or she must have an authorization from the expenditure authority.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Pai said sightings of government cars being used improperly are a common complaint.
However, he added, not every body understands the rules on the use of government vehicles.
Pai said he wants to remind government employees who use government vehicles that they are being watched by the public.
These employees must certify that the use of the vehicle outside working hours is for official business.
A properly marked vehicle may be operated by government employees and authorized official guests of the commonwealth, Pai said.
An unmarked government vehicle, on the other hand, may only be operated by elected officials, judges and law enforcement officials with proper authorization.
Only elected officials may operate government vehicle for purposes other than official government business, Pai said.
If an elected official wishes to extend the use of his or her vehicle to government employees on official business, the vehicle must be marked.
Only elected officials, judges, and authorized law enforcement officials may operate unmarked vehicles.
