§ 101-38.200 - General requirements.

(a) Official U.S. Government tags shall be used on all Government-owned or-leased motor vehicles, unless specifically exempted by this subpart.

(b) Each motor vehicle acquired for official purposes (except vehicles exempted by this subpart) shall display the legends “For Official Use Only” (in letters not less than 1/2 inch and not over 3/4 inch high) and “U.S. Government” (in letters not less than 3/4 inch and not over 1 inch high) and agency identification as provided in this subpart. Motor vehicles of the Department of Defense shall be governed by § 101-38.203-2.

(c) Where motor vehicles display agency identification in accordance with this subpart, such identification shall be replaced when necessary due to damage or wear, and should be accomplished without excessive expense.

(d) Motor vehicles rented from private or commercial sources for a period of less than 6 months and used primarily for off-highway work need not display the legends “For Official Use Only” and “U.S. Government” and agency identification; however, such vehicles leased for periods of 6 months or longer shall display official U.S. Government tags and agency identification as prescribed in the subpart. Sedans and station wagons acquired for periods of 60 continuous days or more must be identified in accordance with § 101-38.203-1(a).

(e) Motor vehicles (other than military design motor vehicles) acquired for official purposes, exempted by the provisions of this subpart from the display of official U.S. Government tags and other identification, shall carry the regular license plates issued by the State, Commonwealth, territory, or possession in which each motor vehicle is principally operated, or issued by the District of Columbia if the motor vehicle is regularly based in the District of Columbia. In addition, these vehicles are exempted from other requirements (forms, etc.) as specified in this subpart.

(f) Exemptions, in addition to those authorized in §§ 101-38.204-1 and 101-38.204-2 may be authorized by the head of the agency or designee upon written certification that conspicuous identification will interfere with the purpose for which the motor vehicle is used. This certification shall be maintained at the agency headquarters. A copy of this certification shall also be provided to the General Services Administration, Attn: FBF, Washington, DC 20406, if the vehicle is obtained through the GSA Interagency Fleet Management System. Approval by GSA will not be required. The certification must state that the motor vehicle(s) is (are) acquired and used primarily for the purpose of investigative, law enforcement, or intelligence duties involving security activities or for safety of the vehicle's occupant(s), and that the identification of the motor vehicle(s) would interfere with the discharge of such duties or endanger the security of individuals or the United States Government. Vehicles regularly used for common administrative purposes not directly connected with the performance of law enforcement, investigative, or intelligence duties involving security activities shall not be exempt. All exemptions granted under the provisions of this § 101-38.200(f) are limited to 1 year. If the requirement for exemption still exists at the end of the year, the agency shall recertify its intent to continue the exemption. A copy of this certification shall be forwarded to GSA if the vehicle is leased from the GSA Interagency Fleet Management System.

(g) Certain organizational units of Federal agencies may be authorized to remove official Government markings and substitute license plates issued by the appropriate State, Commonwealth, territory, or possession whenever the agency head or designee determines that temporary removal is in the public interest. A written determination and justification for temporary removal of official Government markings shall be maintained at the agency headquarters. This determination shall also be submitted to the General Services Administration, Attn: FBF, Washington, DC 20406, if the vehicle is leased from the GSA Interagency Fleet Management System.