Frequently Asked Questions

Fleet Management FAQs

• Equipment
• Maintenance
• Fuel Systems
• Vehicle Accident and Reckless Driving Reporting
• Emissions
• Contact Information and Hours of Operation

Equipment

How does Baltimore City purchase equipment?

Fleet Management works in collaboration with each agency to decide what assets need to be replaced based on the agency’s operational needs and budget. In adherence to the City’s procurement rules and regulations, Fleet Management works with the Bureau of Purchasing throughout the process.

How does Baltimore City dispose of equipment?

Fleet Management is responsible for the disposal of equipment through approved public auctions, when possible, and recycling (through sale to salvage yards for scrap metal), when not.  Auctions are held at regular intervals (usually on a monthly basis) and advertisements are placed in the local newspaper prior to each auction.

How does Fleet Management manage and track equipment?

Fleet Management utilizes the FASTER information system database that tracks the following: equipment inventory, parts inventory, maintenance history and costs, fuel usage and costs, etc. The FASTER system also schedules and tracks preventive maintenance services.  In the interest of transparency, user agency personnel also have access to this system to retrieve information.

Maintenance

Who is responsible for scheduling vehicle maintenance and repairs?

Each vehicle/equipment has an assigned Preventative Maintenance (PM) schedule. User agency personnel are responsible for ensuring that the asset receives PM service as required.  Fleet management informs vehicle operators when the next scheduled maintenance is due via windshield stickers and by advance notification during the previous service. This information is also available for the agency Fleet Coordinators to access directly from FASTER.

What are the hours of operation at the Fleet Management facilities?

The following are the Hours of Operations, Monday through Friday.  Facilities are not open on the weekends, barring any emergencies or urgent need.

Who will change my flat tire?

If a vehicle contains a spare tire, and the operator is able to change it out, they should do so and deliver the flat tire to the Fleet Central Garage – Tire Shop for repair or replacement.  If the operator is unable to change the tire out, they should call the Fleet Tire Shop at 410-396-3183 and request roadside assistance.  If the flat tire is experienced after regular work hours (7:00am – 3:00pm, Mon - Fri), the operator should contact the Fleet Management Emergency service line at 410-365-1832.

What is the protocol for dealing with roadside emergencies?

During regular work hours (7:00am – 3:00pm, Mon - Fri), contact Fleet Management at 410-396-3425 to request roadside assistance. Call the Fleet Management Emergency service line at 410-365-1832 during non-regular work hours.

Fuel

Where are the City’s fueling locations?

The following are the Fleet Management fuel pump locations and hours of operation:

How do I get a new fuel card?

You can request a new card:

1. Over the phone: call Fleet Management at 410-396-1010
2. In-person: at Fleet Management’s Fuel Systems department located at the Central Garage (3800 E. Biddle Street, 21213)

What is a PIN number?

The PIN number is used for security purposes when making a fuel purchase. Your PIN number is provided to you at the time you receive the fuel card.  This number must be keyed into the fuel pumps in order to dispense fuel.

Who do I contact if my fuel card is not working?

If the fuel station is staffed, please request assistance from the staff present. If not, please call Fleet Management at 410-396-1010

What is a VIT or CanCeiver?

The variable injecting timing (VIT) or CanCeiver is a device installed on the vehicle to communicate with the fuel pump during the transaction. Vehicles equipped with VITs do not require a vehicle fuel card.

Accident Procedures

What do I do when I get into an accident?

Please refer to the City’s Administrative Manual (AM510-10) for specific instructions on what steps need to be followed in the event of an accident. The following are key steps:

• Summon the local police to the scene of the accident.
• Call 311 (or if after hours, 410-396-3100) to report the details of the accident and to request a Safety Officer.
• Notify your Supervisor.
• Submit a Motor Vehicle Accident Report (MVAR) within 24 hours.

I received a speeding ticket/parking citation while driving a City vehicle, am I responsible for paying it?

Yes. Any employee in possession of a City vehicle is responsible for any citation given to them. This includes, but is not limited to, citations for parking violations, speeding, expired tags, or not wearing a seat belt.

How to report reckless driving of someone driving a City vehicle?

If you see someone driving recklessly -- whether from texting, drowsy driving, being overly aggressive, or otherwise careless driving -- call the Fleet Management Division at 410-396-1010.

Things that will be helpful for you to provide for us to locate the alleged offender are:

• Description of the driver and their direction of travel
• Describe the offense
• Vehicle number
• License plate number
• Vehicle make, model, and color

Please Note: If you are driving, do not attempt to follow the vehicle nor take a picture, as these actions may magnify the potential roadway dangers. Because you have identified this driver as a threat, exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from their vehicle.

Emissions

When does my vehicle need an emission test?

The Maryland MVA notifies Fleet Management when emissions testing on a vehicle is due. An agency Fleet Coordinator is notified that the test is due, and they will advise the vehicle operator (or appropriate supervisor). The test paperwork will need to be collected, along with the payment voucher, from the Fleet Central Garage (3800 E. Biddle Street, 21213).

Where do I get my emissions test done?

Emissions testing can be done at any Maryland VEIP testing station. Visit their website for location information. The two locations within Baltimore City are:

1411 S. Edgewood Street
Halethorpe, MD 21227 
(Off Joh Avenue - West of Caton Avenue) 

5900 Erdman Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21205
(East of Pulaski Highway, US 40, at Exit 13 - Tunnel Thruway, I-895)

How is the emissions test paid for?

When the test paperwork is collected at Fleet’s Central Garage, a payment voucher will be provided to the vehicle operator.

Contact Information