Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) refers to any vehicle that is not owned by the government but by individuals or private entities. It becomes pertinent in the context of official travel when government employees use their personal vehicles for carrying out official duties. The decision to employ a POV for official travel is not arbitrary and is usually considered after evaluating the utility of other transport options like a common carrier, a government-furnished vehicle, or a rental car.
The use of a POV for official travel is often deemed most advantageous when it proves to be more efficient, convenient, or cost-effective than the other available options. Once a POV has been determined as the most suitable mode of transportation, the individual is authorized reimbursement for mileage and additional allowances. These allowances may cover expenses such as parking fees, bridge tolls, road charges, and tunnel fees. Hence, a POV is a flexible transport option, providing certain benefits to the user while serving the interests of the government agency.
