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 https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services for links to state-specific websites.

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, 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.

Military ID and CAC cards will gain access to the installation, displaying vehicle registration upon entry is not typically requested.

For regular ID passes, hours of operation are 6:30am until 3:00pm, Monday-Friday and for Common Access Card (CAC) hours are 6:30 am until 2:30pm. Phone 717-770-4910.

Civilians working at DDC/DDSP need to go to Pass and ID Office, building 2001, for base photo ID and vehicle registration.

Storage Area - Contact ITR at 717 770-4671 for monthly or yearly storage for trailers, vans, and boats. Limited to active service members only.

Vehicle Checks -- All vehicles entering this installation are subject to search. Police conduct random vehicle searches/inspection.

Child Restraints -- Pennsylvania traffic laws apply and are strictly enforced. Seatbelts are mandatory on and off this installation. Children seven years of age or weighing 40 pounds or less are required to sit in an approved child restraint seat. The child restraint seats will be secured in the rear seat of vehicles equipped.

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
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

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 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.

Snow must be removed from vehicles traveling on the installation.