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. For information specific to Puerto Rico, go to Puerto Rico Department of Motor Vehicles, better known as CESCO (Driver services center).

Instructions for shipment of vehicles from Puerto Rico to CONUS/OCONUS. Visit the Fort Buchanan Transportation Office, Building 152 Patriot Boulevard. The transportation counselors will provide you with a checklist and guidance to meet the exportation requirement of the government of Puerto Rico. You may call for information at 787 707-4005/4003. 

The Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) is located at Victory Industrial Park, Calle 3, Lot 2-C, Bo. Martin, Carolina, PR 00987 and contact at 787 979-6888 or email prvpc@army.mil. The hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Closed on Federal and local holidays. VPC appointments must be made online at www.pcsmypov.com.

If you need to register a vehicle in Puerto Rico, contact the Fort Buchanan Transportation Office for details. Military personnel on PCS orders are not required to change the vehicle registration. However, are required to get the ACAA (Puerto Rico mandatory injury liability) Proof of payment, which it is necessary to pick up the vehicle from the VPC.

Civilians on PCS orders must register his/her vehicle within the third month of port of entry. Registration stickers (Autoexpreso) must be renewed annually in Puerto Rico. Make sure you have your vehicle registration paperwork.

To have your car inspected at a garage, if you have private insurance, obtain a certificate of insurance from your insurance company. If you do not have private insurance, then the island will add the state-owned liability insurance (ACAA) to your registration fee.

Download the application CESCO Digital to register the vehicle and payment.

10 Steps to Registering a Car in Puerto Rico

1. Obtain a PR driver’s license, if civilian, within 120 days of arrival on Island
2. Visit CESCO to obtain a vehicle registration document
3. Obtain private insurance for your vehicle (optional)
4. If you had your vehicle transported from the mainland, then you paid an import excise tax (except military personnel on orders). You will need a receipt to prove you paid this tax.
5. Visit a mechanic’s garage to have the inspection/emissions test 
6. Visit Hacienda (local Treasury office) and pay the vehicle registration fee
7. Take all of the papers and receipts back to the CESCO office
8. If you do not have private insurance, you will have to pay the state-owned liability insurance
9. After all of the above are done, you will buy a registration (Autoexpreso) sticker for your car windshield
10.  Download the application “CESCO Digital” to activate your Autoexpreso) sticker

On-post traffic regulations are similar to any other military installation and are strictly monitored and enforced. Puerto Rico's traffic laws are also followed on post. It is very important to read the Puerto Rico (PR) Driver s Manual in order to familiarize yourself with local laws. There are many similarities to most U.S. states but there are also some variances that are important to know about. Practicing defensive driving is always a good idea.

Cell Phones -- Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Visitors' Vehicle Checks -- Vehicles must be registered and a visitor permit issued. 

Off-post, vehicle checks are similar to most states in the U.S. with the following exceptions: Liability insurance in Puerto Rico is mandatory for up to $3,000 which will cover property damage only at a cost of $99 per year for passenger vehicles. Medical insurance (ACAA) is mandatory and is paid along with the registration of the vehicle. Normally $35 per year, it covers bodily injury up to $25,000. The registration cost is paid separately and varies depending on the vehicle, 

Inspections -- Vehicle inspection is done annually, before registration renewal, at any authorized mechanic's shop, including the Auto/Hobby Shop on post. Cost is approximately $11. Active-duty Service members assigned to PR are allowed one vehicle import duty free, as per the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Subsequent vehicles pay the full import excise tax.

Taxes -- Please note that you are responsible for dealing with the Department of Hacienda (local Department of the Treasury) to pay for all applicable excise taxes. As in the states, Hacienda has its unique operating procedures. So, to get the best results in the quickest time, a courteous and respectful attitude will result in a smoother process.

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.

Accidents that occur on-post are investigated by the Military Police. The State Police investigates accidents that occur off-post. If it involves an active-duty Service member, it will be referred to the Military Police for coordination.

Criminal Offenses

Criminal offenses that occur on-post are investigated by the Military Police and referred to the U.S. District Court for settlement and to the Post Commander for any necessary administrative action. Criminal offenses off-post are investigated by the State or local Police and referred to the local or Federal Courts for settlement. The Military Police are also notified in cases where active military personnel are involved. Most criminal offenses on-post are traffic violations, DWI, theft of Government property, and shoplifting.

If you have any questions concerning motor vehicle regulations in Puerto Rico, you can visit the Welcome Center on Christman Road, Bldg. 152. You may also call 787 707-3241/3809 or DSN 740-3241.

Roadside Assistance

Roadside Assistance for vehicles with problems on PR-18, PR-26, PR-30, PR-66, PR-52, PR-20, PR-2, and PR-1. Call the free service "SEGURO" Monday thru Friday from 6 am. to 9 pm at 787-625-3253.