Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

North Carolina State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

North Carolina State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

State Laws

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 7 years of age and 80 pounds be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Texting while driving is an enforceable moving violation.

Base Vehicle Regulations

Refer to MCIEAST-MCB Camlej O 5560.2 for Camp Lejeune motor vehicle and traffic regulations.

Traffic -- There are over 19,000 vehicles moving through the gates at Camp Lejeune during peak hours of 5:15 to 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Vehicle Checks -- Department of Defense authorizes the military police to stop and search any vehicle on board a military installation.

Temporary Registration

Temporary base vehicle registration requires a valid Armed Forces identification, a valid operator's license and, a valid state registration for the vehicle and a signed statement showing proof that the vehicle has the minimum motor vehicle liability insurance coverage required by North Carolina.

Permanent Registration

For permanent registration, the owner must produce a valid inspection sticker and if you are under the age of 26 you must show evidence of completing a base defensive driving course. Proof that all North Carolina insurance requirements are met is also required.

Passenger Vehicle Regulations

• Seat belts are mandatory for all, drivers and passengers. Thirty day driving privilege suspension for failure to wear seat belts - 1st Offense.
• Radar detectors are prohibited.
• Use of cell phones is prohibited when driving a vehicle on base unless the operator is equipped and using a "Hands Free" device. Thirty day driving privilege suspension for failure to use the Hands Free device - 1st Offense.
• Children under five years of age or 40 pounds of weight must have a properly secured, federally approved rear facing child passenger restraint system and, under 8 years of age and 80 lbs. in a properly installed booster seat.
• Children under 10 years of age will be accompanied by someone 12 years or older and will not be left in a running vehicle.
• Privately owned vehicles operated on Camp Lejeune must be registered at the Base Vehicle Registration Office, building 818, adjacent to the main gate.

Motorcycle Regulations

• Motorcycle operators must meet the same requirements for registration as for a vehicle. Mandatory safety class is required for all base motorcycle operators regardless of age. Certification of attendance of a motorcycle safety class is accepted.
• Department of Transportation approved helmets are required.
• A hard sole boot or shoe must be worn. Leather boots or over the ankle shoes is encouraged.
• Shatterproof glasses, goggles or a face shield attached to the helmet will be worn. Clothing will cover the upper torso, arms and legs, with full fingered gloves. Motorcycle-riding jackets and pants constructed of abrasion resistant materials are strongly encouraged.
• All military personnel are required to wear all safety equipment off base. Long sleeved shirts are required at all times unless in the uniform of the day.

Bicycles and Bicycles with Motors (MOPEDS)

Bicycles are prohibited on Holcomb Boulevard between Brewster Boulevard and Ash Street. Bicyclists must ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic and obey all traffic control devices. Many roads/streets on Camp Lejeune do not have a safe shoulder to ride bicycles, riding on fitness trails and sidewalks is permitted in those locations but pedestrians have the right of way. Reflective safety vest must be worn during hours of darkness and encouraged all hours. Bicycles/mopeds may operate during the hours of darkness if equipped with headlights, rear red reflectors, and red lights. Helmets are also required safety equipment for bicycle/moped riders and their passengers.

Runners

Runners must run facing oncoming traffic keeping at least 6' from the roadway and utilize sidewalks or paths when possible. Running on roadways is prohibited.

Reflective safety vest must be worn during hours of darkness.

PMO -- Further information is readily available from PMO, Marine Corps Base, 910-451-5811.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• Move over for flashing Lights
• The use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving page.