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.

Georgia 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.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Georgia 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 and 57" in height 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.

Registering Vehicles in Georgia

New registrations require your title, out-of-state registration, proof of insurance, and all parties on title must be present when applying. To avoid paying Ad Valorem Tax military should bring their last End of Month LES and a form 941 from JAG.

Driver's License - If you are returning from an overseas assignment, you must obtain a US drivers license within 30 days of your arrival. Georgia will honor all out of state drivers licenses. First time drivers must take a driving test, consisting of a written test and an eye examination. Newcomers must register on post within 30 days from Overseas assignments.

Post Regulations

Traffic - Georgia state traffic laws apply on Hunter Army Airfield. Seat belts are mandatory. State, local and base officials can stop vehicles for suspected non use of seat belts. Child seats/restraints are mandatory for children under 40 pounds.

Cell Phones - Cell phone use while driving is restricted to hands free only. A $50 fine will be imposed for violations.

Vehicle Checks - All vehicles entering or leaving Hunter Army Airfield are subject to search.

Accidents - Off post the local police authorities have jurisdiction in accidents. On Post the Military Police will have jurisdiction.

Pass and ID - Active duty military must have DD Form 2A (Identification Card) in their possession to use post facilities. Military Family members use DD Form 1173 (Uniformed Service Identification and Privilege Card) for access to post facilities.

Military Police

The mission of military police includes, but is not limited to protecting soldiers, family members and civilians on the installation; enforcing laws, regulations and directives controlling vehicle traffic and investigation traffic accidents. The military police also administer the physical security programs, MP investigations, crime prevention program, game warden operations, AWOL apprehension, and liaison with civil law enforcement agencies. Military working dogs assist in patrols and help detect narcotics and explosives.

Under Georgia's Hands-Free Distracted Driving Law, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241, you can be ticketed for using a “wireless telecommunications device” of any kind while driving, if the device is touching any part of your body, or for the use of a stand-alone electronic device in the same manner.

You and your passengers must always wear seat belts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seat belts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 8 years of age and 57" in height be properly restrained in child seats, in the back seat, if possible.

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.

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.