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.

North Carolina 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.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Unit at the Ft Liberty Soldier Support Center is (CLOSED UNTIL FUTHER NOTICE)

Speed Limits -- On post traffic is governed by AR 190-5. Speed limit varies depending on the area where you will be driving; 5 MPH at parking areas, 15 MPH in housing areas, 25 MPH in school zones and troop areas and 35-40 MPH on other roads.

Traffic could be congested during the hours of 6:00 - 7:30 am and between 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Due to Physical Training, some roads/streets will be closed or changed to a one-way street during 6:30 -8:00 am Mon-Fri., except holidays.

Vehicle Checks -- Vehicles are checked by the security guards at vehicle check points as required. Electronic devices are used to monitor speed limits within the installation.

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.

North Carolina State has three occupant restarint laws. Their basic requirements are as follows:

Children younger than than 8 and who weigh less than 80 pounds must be properly secured in a child restraint booster seat. 

Children less than age 5 and less than 40 pounds must be in the rear seat if the vehicle has an active passenger-side front air bag and a rear seat.

When a child reaches age 8 (regardless of weight) or 80 pounds (regardless of age) a correctly fitted seat belt may be used instead of a booster seat.

The penalty for not complying with Child restarint Bosster Seat Law is 2 driver license points, a fine and court costs.

Children less than 16 are prohibited from riding in the open bed of a pick-up truck or other cargo area.

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.