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Department of the Air Force
ID/CAC Card Processing (Military)
495 Harpe Boulevard
Building 730, Suite 153
Columbus AFB, MS 39710
662-434-2626
662-434-2627
312-742-2626
312-742-2627
Figuring out the best way to get around is important when you’re in a new installation. It’s useful to understand the various regulations, local laws as well as license and registration requirements. Whether you need a driver’s license, transport a car overseas or want help buying a car, there are people to assist you at your new installation. Check out the topics below to find information and regulations on vehicles and registration at your base.
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.
Registration & Licensing Requirements
Mississippi 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. 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
Mississippi law requires the following while traveling in private passenger vehicles:
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.
Base Regulations
Seat Belts/Child Restraints
Mississippi State traffic regulations apply on Columbus AFB. Seat belt and/or restraints are mandatory for everyone on base and mandatory for service members off base. Mississippi requires seat belt use for drivers and all passengers 7 years of age and over or taller than 57 inches or 65 pounds or over. Base officials can stop vehicles for suspected non-use of seat belts. Child safety seats and/or restraints are mandatory in Mississippi for all children.
Children under the age of 4 must be protected by a child restraint device. Children 4-7 years old and under 57 inches or 65 pounds must be in a booster seat. Under the federal magistrate program, family members, civilian workers, and military retirees in violation of base traffic regulations can be ticketed by the Security Forces and be subject points against driving privileges.
Cell Phones or any other Electronic Devices
The Air Force Safety Center maintains AFI 91-207, “The US Air Force Traffic Safety Program.” The following is a summary of requirements that affect you and your dependents:
1. Text messaging while operating a government motor vehicle, operating a PMV on official government business or utilizing a government owned electronic device are prohibited on and off a DOD installation.
2. Using cell phones, any listening device or other hand-held electronic devices, that take attention away from driving is prohibited. Drivers may use a single ear bud or voice-activated hands-free device, where allowed by law. However, use of hands-free devices is also discouraged as they create significant distractions from safe driving performance.
3. All personnel on Air Force installations are prohibited from using portable headphones, earphones, cellular phones, iPods, or other listening and entertainment devices (other than hearing aids) while walking, jogging, running, bicycling, skating or skateboarding on any roadway, including perimeter road and base housing areas. The previous rule of one ear bud while running or walking on the roads is rescinded, however, headphones and ear buds may be used on sidewalks and on the base running track.
Additional requirements in AFI 91-207
4. All personnel who jog, walk or run on Columbus AFB during periods of inclement weather or at night, are required to wear retro-reflective clothing or retro-reflective accessories visible from the front and back. This requirement does not apply to the running track.
5. Motorcycle riders are reminded that proper PPE is required to ride on base, which includes sturdy over the ankle footwear, long pants, long sleeves, a DOT approved helmet with eye protection or a full face shield and full-fingered gloves.
Implied Consent
When you drive in Mississippi, you give your implied consent to testing for the presence of alcohol or drugs. If a Law Enforcement Officer has good reason to suspect you're driving under the influence, they can ask you to take a breath or chemical test. You have the right to refuse, in which case you must surrender your driver's license on the spot.
Mississippi enacted "Zero Tolerance" to curb teenage drinking and related accidents. The blood alcohol content of .02 applies to anyone under the age of 21. A person who drinks as little as one to two beers could be cited under DUI laws. The standard for drivers 21 or older is .08 percent. Columbus AFB aggressively pursues driving under the influence.
Registering Vehicles on Base
Registering your vehicles on base (including motorcycles) is no longer a requirement at Columbus AFB.
State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:
Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.
Release 2023.04.14.1