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.

For more information about the region:

• https://mva.maryland.gov/drivers/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/
• https://dmv.dc.gov/

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Maryland 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 Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website. For safety laws in Maryland, visit the State Highway Administration 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 6 years of age (regardless of weight) or under 40 pounds (regardless 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 Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website for more information.

Turn your headlights on when visibility is poor and use wipers and headlights in inclement weather. Maryland law now requires headlights to be used whenever windshield wipers are used continuously because of visibility conditions.

The Maryland State Police has an active aggressive driver campaign, which primarily focuses enforcement on those drivers who exceed the speed limit, follow too closely, pass improperly, weave, fail to yield the right-of-way, run red lights and disregard other traffic signals and signs.

Distracted Driving

Driver distractions are prohibited on JBA to include, but are not limited to: utilizing a hand-held cell phone; video-viewing device; text messaging, video or picture messaging device; PDA; “Blackberry” or all other electronic devices without using a hands-free device. Handheld use of a global positioning system (GPS) device is considered distracted driving and is not authorized.

Vehicle operators on a DoD Installation and operators of GOVs (both on and off of a DoD Installation) will not use cell phones unless the vehicle is safely parked or they are using a hands- free device. The wearing of any other portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices (except for hands-free cellular phones/hearing aids) while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited. Use of a hands-free accessory (ear receiver) for cell phone use is only authorized in those instances where the device only covers/is inserted in one ear.

Drivers are prohibited from viewing DVD/Video monitors (including cell phones and other electronic devices) in the course of driving any vehicle.

Base Regulations

As a general rule, military installations adopt the traffic rules and laws of the host country or state. In most instances, JB Andrews regulations mirror the State of Maryland traffic code.

Child Restraints -- All children must use restraint devices while riding as a passenger. Base law mirrors Maryland law. Maryland's current law (effective June 30, 2008) requires that children under eight years old to ride in an appropriate child restraint, *unless the child is 4'9" or taller or weighs more than 65 pounds. *Child restraint includes car seats and booster seats and other federally approved safety devices. Every child from 8 to 16 years old who is not secured in a child restraint must be secured in the vehicle's seat belt. This law is applicable to in-state and out-of-state vehicles. It is the driver's responsibility for making sure all children are correctly buckled up. It is illegal to leave children under 10 alone in a vehicle, even briefly. If left alone, they must be watched by someone 13 or older.

The District of Columbia has recently passed new ordinances that affect anyone driving in or through the District of Columbia. The first is any child 8 years old or younger must be secured in a car seat.

Helmets -- Motorcycle operators and passengers are required to wear U.S. DOT approved helmets. Operators must wear eye protection as well. Also, the use of bicycle safety helmets is mandatory for any operator, regardless of age, of a bicycle while on JB Andrews property.

Hands-free devices -- The use of hand-held communication devices while operating a motor vehicle (use with hands-free accessories is permitted). Even if you may only be passing through the District, the new ordinances apply. Stiff fines can result for non-compliance.

Speed Limits -- The speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted and is strictly enforced by police patrols equipped with radar.

Seat Belts -- Seat belts are required at all times while driving on base.

Parking -- Parking of motor vehicles is authorized only in areas/spaces designated. If a vehicle operator (military or civilian) is stopped by Security Police for a traffic violation or routine identification check, full cooperation with the patrol officer or gate guard is required.

Pedestrians -- Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way, however, they should not step into crosswalks in the path of approaching vehicles when such action would require emergency braking. Pedestrians must consider surface road conditions prior to entering crosswalks. Bicycle helmets are mandatory safety gear to be worn by anyone, regardless of age, riding a bicycle on JB Andrews property.

Vehicle Checks -- Normally (current world events not withstanding) vehicle checks are conducted randomly at the gates. These are visual checks, not searches. If the vehicle operator does not allow security police to inspect the vehicle, entry to the base may be denied.

Accidents -- All Motor vehicle accidents must be reported immediately to the Security Police Desk Sergeant, located in Building 1845, 301-981-2002 (DSN 858-2002 from office phones).

Criminal Offenses -- If a vehicle operator is taken into custody for any criminal offense, such as: drug/firearms violations, disorderly conduct, nuisance, larceny, vandalism, DWI/reckless driving, etc..., an appearance before the U.S. Magistrate Court, if civilian; a military Commander, if military, may be required.

Crime Stop -- The Security Police have a crime reporting phone which can be used in the event a crime or suspicious act is observed. It is 301-981-7222 (calling from off base); or 981-7222 or  DSN 858-7222 if calling from on-base. The caller does not have to identify him/herself.

Restricted Areas -- Because JB Andrews is the home of Air Force One and many DV movements per week, security assumes a higher priority when the President and/or distinguished visitors enter or leave the base. Normally, this does not inconvenience residents and employees for more than a few minutes. Passengers and others in the air terminal may be restricted during the last 15-20 minutes before an entourage enters or leaves the aircraft boarding area.

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

Find more information for the region here:

• https://mva.maryland.gov/drivers/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/
• https://dmv.dc.gov/