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. 

It is unlawful to transport any opened receptacle containing any amount of alcohol in a motor vehicle except in the trunk or in some other area out of the immediate access of the occupants.

Seat Belts -- All persons riding within a motor vehicle must be buckled up.

Child Restraints -- Children under six years of age or weighing less than 60 pounds must be secured in an approved and properly installed child safety seat.

It is against the law to drive with only parking lights.

Window Tinting -- The only windows in a vehicle that may be coated with "after market" tinting are those located behind the front seat. Any tinting, regardless of how light, is illegal on the front side windows, wind wings, and windshield. If the back window is tinted, the vehicle must be equipped with two outside mirrors, mounted right and left.

Vehicle Checks -- Fort Irwin has one entrance. Vehicle checks are conducted periodically by the Military Police.

Automobile Insurance

Evidence of Financial Responsibility (EFR) law in California requires that every owner and driver of a motor vehicle be able to show evidence that the vehicle is insured for at least $18,000 for death or injury to any person, $50,000 for death or injury to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage.

If you do not have liability insurance, you can be fined up to $1,000 and $2,000 for the first and second offense. If you do not have liability insurance when involved in an automobile accident, the DMV may suspend your driving privileges in addition to any fines. A judge may also order your vehicle to be impounded and the vehicle may be held until such time as the fines are paid.

Any person who knowingly provides false evidence of financial responsibility to a court or official, may be fined up to $750 or more and/or be imprisoned for up to 30 days. You may be asked to show proof of insurance when you register a vehicle or when a police officer stops you.

Be aware that many out-of-state insurance companies are not authorized to do business in California. Before you drive here, you should ask your insurance company if you are covered in case of a collision.

Pleaser contact you local California DMV for further information/www.dmv.ca.gov. 

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.