Motor Vehicles

Regarding motor vehicle registration, licensing, and insurance requirements, each state has its own set of regulations.

In general, the term "vehicle" encompasses automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers, and vessels that are parked or garaged on a nightly basis.

Prior to relocating to another state, service members and their families will want to be aware of the registration and licensing requirements of their current state. For more information, please visit https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services 

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Virginia 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.

State Laws

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 5 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.

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has an office located on Fort Lee at 1401 Barfoot Ave building 3400 room 119,  Hours of operation are from Tues-Thus 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles telephone number is 804-861-3960. Before purchasing, registering or making any other legal transaction involving a motor vehicle, it is suggested service members assigned to Fort Lee check with the DMV to determine all cost and paperwork associated with the action. The Commonwealth of Virginia policies and interpretation of the Service Members Civil Relief Act vary greatly from those of many other states.

Registering Vehicles on Base

Fort Lee requires residents and employees to register all motor vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds they operate on Fort Lee with the Vehicle Registration Office. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The term "vehicle" includes motorcycles, automobiles, trailers, vans, and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight in Virginia.

Fort Lee DMV Vehicle Registration is located at the Soldiers Support Center, 1401 Barefoot Ave building 3400 room 118, Fort Lee, VA 23801. For vehicle registration you will need to provide current vehicle proof of insurance and valid driver's license. For more information call 804-497-7100.

Motorcycle Registration

Fort Lee currently offers the Military Sport Bike Rider Course. This course is only for Sport Bike Riders. The new standard full motorcycle range is located off of A Avenue and Mahone Avenue.

Continue to check the Army IMCOM Registration System or call 765-3127, 765-3132 for course availability.

Base Regulations

Fort Lee has an official physical training route from 5 to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. During this time all traffic is prohibited on Shop Road from the Main Post Exchange to the Quartermaster Museum and on the entire length of Barefoot Avenue. Prohibited routes are marked with cones and signs during the physical training times.

Speed Limit - The speed limit in the Fort Lee housing areas is 15 miles per hour. All other roads are 25 mph unless otherwise posted. Speed limits are enforced using radar, especially in the housing area. Individuals cited for a moving violation will receive a U.S. Magistrate ticket, requiring either the payment of the fine or appearance in Magistrate Court. In addition, Fort Lee Police also have the additional option of issuing a Form 1408. If a driver receives a sufficient number of these in a given time, their on-post driving privileges are suspended.

Jogging Safety - Drivers often have difficulty seeing joggers, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. All persons using installation roadways for recreational walking and jogging at any time are required to wear reflective safety clothing (i.e. road guard vest) that is visible from all directions. The use of headphone and earphones while walking jogging, skating or bicycling is prohibited. Reflective clothing is not required on the Williams Stadium track and headphones are permitted on the stadium track.

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 https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving