Private transportation includes private passenger vehicles, rental cars, privately owned or rented
recreational vehicles and campers, chartered buses, chartered boats, and chartered flights. Each driver
of motorized private transportation must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid operator’s license
appropriate to the vehicle—state laws must be followed, even if they are more stringent than the
guidelines here. Anyone who is driving a vehicle with more than 12 passengers must also be a
professional driver who possesses a commercial driver’s license (CDL)—check with your council to
determine specific rules about renting large vehicles. Utilizing a 15 passenger van is not permitted.
Utilizing a 15 passenger van and removing a row of seats is not permitted.
Please keep in mind the following non-negotiable points regarding private transportation:
Even though written agreements are always required when renting or chartering, you are not
authorized to sign an agreement or contract—even if there is no cost associated with the rental.
Such an agreement must instead be signed by the person designated by your council.
Check with your council to make sure you are following accepted practices when using private
transportation; this ensures that both you and your council are protected by liability insurance in the
event of an accident.
If your council has given permission to use a rented car, read all rental agreements to be sure
you comply with their terms and avoid surprises. Note the minimum age of drivers (often 25), as
well as the maximum age (often under 70). Be sure the car is adequately insured, knowing who is
responsible for damage to or the loss of the vehicle itself. Also, ensure you have a good paper
trail, with evidence that the vehicle rental is Girl Scout related.
Obtain parent/guardian permission for any use of transportation outside of the meeting place.