• Carpool groups can adhere to general rules, or make their own.carpool sign image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
  
  Carpools are beneficial for the environment. They help to reduce the amount of cars on the road and harmful carbon emissions in the ozone. However, carpools can become a headache without proper establishment of rules. All members of the carpool should agree on important issues for a worry-free ride to work or school.
  
  

Gas Expenses

• The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada provides a list of carpool rules and etiquette on its website. Rules on gas expenses are important to establish before creating a carpool system. Discuss these issues in advance to avoid any conflict later on. The expense of gas should be split evenly among carpool passengers. There are several ways to purchase gas for a carpool such as collecting money weekly for the designated driver's gas. Another option is having each person buying his or her own gas and rotate the driving equally.
  
  

Food

• Food rules are important for carpools. Some drivers may not like coffee spills or donuts crumbs in their backseat. Each driver of the carpool should establish what foods, if any, are acceptable in his or her car. The Mid-America Regional Counsel's RideShare Program offers guidelines for establishing a carpool. Food rules are one of their strong suggestions. The Mid-America Regional advises that all carpool members have a chance to voice their concerns and preferences regarding food in the car. It is also wise to establish a cleanup policy in case of accidents. The person who caused the mess may be required to clean it or pay for professional cleaning.
  
  

Safety

• North Dakota Child Passenger safety provides rules and guidelines for parents offering school carpools. Carpools for children allow parents to take turns driving neighborhood kids to school. However, there are safety rules to follow when driving other people's children. Be sure there is one seat belt for each person and child in the car. Never transport children in the cargo area of station wagons, trucks or vans. If there are not enough seat belts for everyone, the carpool should eliminate passengers. Children under 13 years old should not sit in the front if the car has side air bags. Finally, use booster seats for children weighing between 40 and 80 pounds. These rules will keep children safe and parents worry-free. Check your state's laws to confirm any other rules.