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.

Washington 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.

All motor vehicles operated in Washington state and on the installation are required to have a valid state registration and tags along with valid insurance. In Washington state and on Fairchild AFB, proof of registration and compliance are required to be presented upon demand to law enforcement personnel.  Proof of insurance may be presented via a smart phone app, or physical copy.

Base Decals (DD Form 2220) are not required at Fairchild AFB and are not issued. The POC for questions about decals is the Fairchild AFB Visitor Control Center, located outside the Main Gate in Bldg. 4203. They can be contacted by telephone at: Commercial: 509-247-5492 or DSN: 312-657-5492.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use in Washington state and on federal installations is mandatory.
• Child safety seats - contact Family Services or the CDC for information or go to Washington Traffic Safety Commission http://wtsc.wa.gov/
• Motorcycle operation, Active Duty: Contact the Safety Office at 247-2141
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving is prohibited in the state of Washington. Hands free devices are permitted.

More information on seatbelt and cell phone usage is available on the Washington Traffic Safety Commission http://wtsc.wa.gov/ click on Distracted Driving and/or Seat Belts & Child Restraints

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws (www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/state-laws.html) page.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured.

The state of Washington has passed legislation that prohibits individuals from using handheld mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle. The legislation went into effect July 1, 2008. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violations. 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.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those state laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.  Active Duty Motorcycle riders must be registered in the Air Force Safety Automated System (AFSAS), Motorcycle User Safety Training Tool (MUSTT).  Contact the Wing Safety Office for additional information, 247-2141

Child Safety Seats

Contact Family Services or the CDC for information or go to Washington Traffic Safety Commission http://wtsc.wa.gov/.

Motorcycle operation, Active Duty

Contact the Safety Office at 247-2141.Child safety seats - contact the CDC for information or go to Washington Traffic Safety Commission http://wtsc.wa.gov/ click on Seat Belts & Child Restraints Motorcycle operation, Active Duty: Contact the Safety Office at 247-2141.

Transportation Options

There are many transportation options available to members of Team Fairchild including: Spokane Transit Authority bus service, carpools, bicycling, and walking. Additionally, there are a number of vanpools that service the base from surrounding areas. All base personnel are encouraged to utilize these alternatives, rather than driving alone. These options substantially reduce transportation costs, while improving the local environment. In fact, vanpool and bus passes are subsidized for all military and AF civilian employees of Team Fairchild. To receive your subsidy for a bus pass, sign up for a vanpool, or for more information on transportation options, please contact Fairchild's Employee Transportation Coordinator at 509-247-8139.