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.

California 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.

Currently, Edwards AFB does not require decals.

All privately owned vehicle owners are required to register their vehicles at either the Lancaster Branch or Palmdale Branch Department of Motor Vehicles. The Lancaster DMV is located at 1721 W. Ave L-6, Lancaster, California 93534. Phone number is 800-777-0133. Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are closed on weekends and federal holidays. Their services include driver license and ID card processing, vehicle registration, and commercial driving testing. The Palmdale Branch DMV is located at 2270 E Palmdale Boulevard Ste D, Palmdale, CA 93550, Phone number 800-777-0133.  Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are closed on weekends and federal holidays. You can either walk-in or make an appointment on line for your convenience as lines may be long. Renewals of vehicle registration can be done on-line as well. 

Documents Required

You must bring your current auto insurance information paperwork, your vehicle’s current registration paperwork, your driver’s license, and your current license plates.

The California Vehicle Code (CVC) applies to Edwards AFB except where it conflicts with federal law or US Air Force Regulations.

Speed Limits -- Maximum speed limits are Main Base Area: 35 mph unless otherwise posted; Housing Area, Trailer Park, and ORV Access Trails: 15 mph unless otherwise posted; Parking Lots and Loading Areas: 10 mph unless otherwise posted.

Seat Belts -- Seat belts are mandatory.  Car seat/booster seats are REQUIRED for childrend until AGE 8 OR REACH A HEIGH OF 4'9".  UNDER 2 YEARS OF AGE MUST BE REAR FACING IN AN APPROVED SEAT!

Vehicle Checks -- All vehicles entering and exiting Edwards AFB are subject to search.

Accidents -- On-base vehicle accidents need to be reported to the LAW Enforcement Desk, 661-277-3340. Major vehicle accidents are investigated by Security Police.

Criminal Offenses -- Edwards AFB assimilates the California Penal Code (CPC) in addition to the UCMJ. The curfew for juveniles, persons under age 18 on Edwards AFB is midnight to 6:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday.

Crime Stop -- The 24 hour Crime Stop telephone number for Edwards AFB is 911.

Emergencies -- 911 is used on Edwards for 24 hour emergency police, fire, and ambulance response. It can be dialed from any base or housing LAN lines. To call from a cell phone, dial 661-277-4540.

Restricted Areas -- Edwards has restricted and controlled areas. Organization security managers will have all information on the location and requirements for each area.

Photography -- Unofficial flight line photography is not authorized. This applies to the entire flight line and any area within visible range of the flight line.

Base Reveille & Retreat -- Reveille plays at 0730 and Retreat at 1630 Monday - Friday.  Safely stop put flashers on.  Remain cautious while stopped and when driving off.  

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 6 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.