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 that are 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 web page for links to state-specific websites.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Texas 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 Texas State Department of Motor Vehicles website or the Taylor County Motor Vehicle Registration 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 5 years of age and 36" in height 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 Texas 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 Texas 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 personal digital assistant while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Base Regulations

Base Decals

Base decals are not required on Dyess AFB.

Traffic

Texas state traffic laws apply on Dyess AFB. On base, traffic offenders can be issued tickets on a point based system which can result in revocation of driving privileges on base. This information can be found in Dyess Air Force Base Instruction (DAFBI) 31-218. Seat belts are mandatory. State, local, and base officials can stop vehicles for suspected non- use of seat belts.

Child seats/restraints are mandatory for children under 40 pounds. Off-base, children below the age of 18 are not allowed to ride in the bed of a truck or trailer. On-base no one is allowed to ride in the bed of a truck or trailer, unless in a government vehicle and mission required.

While operating a vehicle, use of a cellphone without a handsfree device is strictly prohibited on Dyess AFB. Offenders will be cited in accordance with DAFBI 31-218.

Vehicle Checks 

All vehicles entering or leaving Dyess AFB are subject to checks and inspections.

All contractor vehicles will be required to be inspected by Security Forces personnel prior to entry. Additionally, when contractor vehicles are exiting the installation, they will be required to have their vehicle searched again upon re-entry. Non-compliance with this mandate could result in termination of base access privileges or, for anyone on Active Duty, or Guard/Reserve on active orders, this action may result with apprehension for non-compliance with a lawful order. 

Accidents

Accidents which occur on base should be reported to the Security Forces Base Defense Operations Center at 325-696-2131. In most cases, minor vehicle accidents that DO NOT result in personal injury or death, damages exceeding $10,000, or disabling damage to any vehicle involved with a traffic accident are, at most, required to exchange vehicle insurance information and do not require a patrol response unless the accident occurred on a Dyess Air Force Base roadway. 

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 the state of Texas at the Driving Safety and Laws page.