Motor Vehicles

Pennsylvania 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, for active duty military, vehicles must be properly registered in either Pennsylvania or the Service or eligible family member's home of residence. 

All of PennDOT's Driver License Centers accept debit or credit cards, checks or money orders as forms of payment, but no cash. Active duty personnel can transfer their valid/expired state-side license as long as they have a valid Military Identification Card. Pennsylvania law requires military living in the state due to military orders to be licensed in their home state of legal residence or in Pennsylvania. Service memebers should research the laws of both Pennsylvania and their home state before PCSing. 

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Pennsylvania 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, for active duty military, vehicles must be properly registered in either Pennsylvania or the Service or eligible family member's home of residence. 

All of PennDOT's Driver License Centers accept debit or credit cards, checks or money orders as forms of payment, but no cash. Active duty personnel can transfer their valid/expired state-side license as long as they have a valid Military Identification Card. Pennsylvania law requires military living in the state due to military orders to be licensed in their home state of legal residence or in Pennsylvania. Service memebers should research the laws of both Pennsylvania and their home state before PCSing. 

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 children up to 4 years old be secured in a car seat, and for  those aged 2 and under, the car seat must be rear-facing. Children ages 4-8 must be restrained in an appropriate car seat. Pennsylvania recommends that all children sit in the backseat until age 13. Please see the PA Department of Transportation website for more information.

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. Pennsylvania state law prohibits any driver from sending, reading or writing a text-based communication while his or her vehicle is in motion.

Base Regulations

Speed Limits : No more than 15 miles per hour post wide, and in some places you are limited to 5-10 miles per hour.

Cell Phones: Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Pennsylvania 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, for active duty military, vehicles must be properly registered in either Pennsylvania or the Service or eligible family member's home of residence. 

All of PennDOT's Driver License Centers accept debit or credit cards, checks or money orders as forms of payment, but no cash. Active duty personnel can transfer their valid/expired state-side license as long as they have a valid Military Identification Card. Pennsylvania law requires military living in the state due to military orders to be licensed in their home state of legal residence or in Pennsylvania. Service memebers should research the laws of both Pennsylvania and their home state before PCSing. 

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 children up to 4 years old be secured in a car seat, and for  those aged 2 and under, the car seat must be rear-facing. Children ages 4-8 must be restrained in an appropriate car seat. Pennsylvania recommends that all children sit in the backseat until age 13. Please see the PA Department of Transportation website for more information.

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. Pennsylvania state law prohibits any driver from sending, reading or writing a text-based communication while his or her vehicle is in motion.