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.

New York 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.

Vehicle Registration is no longer required on the installation and decals are no longer issued.  

Access to Fort Hamilton- All persons age 18 and over must have a valid purpose and authorized state or government issued photographic (photo) identification (ID) for access to Fort Hamilton.  Persons age 17 and under are not required to present photo ID unless operating a motor vehicle.  Vehicle operators are required to present a valid registration and insurance card.  Persons requesting access onto Fort Hamilton must present an ID card that is complaint with Homeland Security's Real ID Act.  

Installation  access cards from other DoD installation ( for example Tinker Air Force Base, Fort Hood) do not meet the criteria for the installation access.  

If you have any questions about whether or not you need a pass card to gain access to Fort Hamilton, call the Visitor's Control Center a 1 (718) 630-4848. 

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.

New York state has strict laws prohibiting the use of hand-held cellular telephones, and military regulations also prohibit their use on-post.   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.