The feasibility of other alternatives, such as public transportation or transportation provided by family, co-workers, friends or other students or the use of drivers, must be explored and documented in the record of services.

Under such circumstances, the purchase of a vehicle is available to any eligible client, regardless of the significance of the disability, as long as the individual is in an open category of service through Order of Selection.

If the counselor and client determine that purchase of a vehicle is the only alternative, the following procedures shall be followed:

• All transportation services are support services and can only be provided in conjunction with non-support services. (Vehicle purchase is not a stand-alone service.)
• The client should have a valid driver's license or have access to a licensed driver prior to purchase of the vehicle.
• The vehicle shall be inspected by a professional auto mechanic who is not involved in the sale prior to the purchase. RS will pay for this inspection. See Section 8 / Part 47.
• The current Counselor's spending authority (cost cap) for purchase of vehicles is $1,999 for the life of the case. Use Code 810. See Section 3 / Part 8.
• RS may pay for sales tax and insurance as additional expenditures separate from the purchase price.
• The vehicle must be paid for in its entirety. RS funds may not be used as a down payment; but RS funds may be used in conjunction with other resources provided by the client.
• Economic Need policy applies to vehicle and related purchases.
• RS will authorize payment to the seller of the vehicle.
• RS will use imprest funds to secure a check to the seller as payment for the vehicle. The counselor will arrange to release the check in exchange for the signed title. (This process is intended to allow for a direct exchange of the payment for the title, rather than having the owner hold the title until a state warrant is mailed.)
• The client will have title to the vehicle.
• During the life of the case, the client may not dispose of the vehicle without prior written approval of the counselor. The client will be required to sign the Vehicle Purchase Agreement. See Section 8 / Part 48.
• If RS purchases the vehicle, or if the client already owns a vehicle, RS may pay for liability insurance, personal property tax and the license plates/vehicle registration during the life of the case if needed to assure that the client can participate in his/her IPE services or to facilitate achievement of the employment goal. Only the minimum legally required liability insurance will be funded by RS. The rehabilitation plan should address how the client will participate financially in accordance with Economic Need policies and the counselor and client should discuss how such expenses can eventually be assumed by the client.

RS policy on vehicle repairs

There may be instances when repairs are needed for a vehicle owned by the individual. If use of the vehicle is essential for the individual’s participation in the IPE or for achievement of the employment outcome, vehicle repairs may be authorized if no other source exists to finance the needed repairs.

Vehicle repair is a support service (transportation) and may only be provided in conjunction with non-support services. The Counselor's spending authority (cost cap) for the life of the case is $1,000. See Section 3 / Part 8. Use Code 830.

RS policy on purchase of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

ATVs may be purchased when necessary for participation in the IPE or achievement of an employment outcome, and no reasonable alternative exists. ATV purchase is an assistive technology service. Use Code 410. The Counselor's spending authority (cost cap) for all assistive technology services is $11,250 for the life of the case. See Section 3 / Part 8.