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.

New Jersey State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle and 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 NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Home Page and the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Military and Veterans Page.

"If you purchase a vehicle from a dealership in New Jersey, that dealership will handle your registration and title work for you.

If you purchase a used vehicle from an individual owner, dealership or auction, or transfer a vehicle into New Jersey, you are required to register that vehicle at a New Jersey motor vehicle agency. If you purchase a vehicle with no financing, the dealership may give you the title paperwork to be filed and transferred along with new registration. Schedule an appointment for a New Title or Registration" NJ MVC | Vehicle Registration.

Additional information for military personnel can be found on NJ MVC | Veterans. 

MCGUIRE and DIX

Registering Vehicles on Base

JB MDL does not have a vehicle registration mandate.

Base Regulations

Accidents -- On-base report to Joint Base Police Desk Sergeant 609-562-6001

Criminal Offenses -- Report to Joint Base Police Desk Sergeant 609-562-6001

Crime Tip Hot Line (anonymous) 609-754-2611

Crime Stop -- 911 on/off base; also for fire/medical emergencies.

Driving Offenses -- New Jersey has strict penalties including loss of driving privileges and/or insurance surcharges in most cases for offenses such as alcohol/drug related driving convictions, driving without insurance and speeding/moving violations in construction areas.

Please make sure you are aware of the new cell phone laws both on base and in the community. Some rules apply to JB MDL that don't apply to the community as well as others applying in the community but not on base. There may even be some situations that apply to McGuire but not Dix. Check the motor vehicles commission website as well as contacting Security Forces for updated driving violation laws.

Restricted Areas - Flight line requires restricted area badge or authorization for POV.

LAKEHURST

Motorcycles -- Motorcycle operators must pass a motorcycle safety course as taught by the Ocean County Vocational Technical School. Additionally, all riders must wear a reflective vest or brightly colored clothing, DOT approved helmet with adequate eye protection, full-fingered gloves, thick-soled footwear, long pants and long sleeved shirt.

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.

Under Kyleigh’s Law, all drivers under age 21, who are subject to the requirements of New Jersey’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) (which includes those drivers possessing a Special Learners Permit, Examination Permit or Probationary/Provisional License), must display a velcro reflectorized decal on each license plate (front/back) of any motor vehicle they operate. Drivers may not operate a motor vehicle after 11:01 p.m. and before 5:00 a.m. For more information please see NJ DHTS Stick to It - New Jersey Office of Attorney General and FAQdecals.pdf.

"All drivers in New Jersey must provide proof of insurance when operating any vehicle. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and suspension. Having insurance is just as important as having a title on your car or registering it with the MVC."NJ MVC | Insurance Requirements

"License extensions

If you are on active military duty and have been deployed, including New Jersey National Guard and Reserve, you and your immediate family are entitled to automatic extensions for your driver license, registration and inspection requirements.

• Your license, registration and inspection documents will remain valid for as long as you are deployed.
• When you are demobilized, you will need to renew your expired documents within 90 days of your demobilization date or return from duty.
• Law enforcement officials are aware of this extension. Please carry the Administrative Order along with your active-duty military credentials at all times when operating a vehicle. See Related Links below for extension instructions to obtain the Deployed Military Administrative Order." NJ MVC | Veterans

"In order to obtain certain documents, like a standard driver license, or to verify changes to your driver record, you must prove your identity by passing the 6 Points of ID plus a Social Security number, ITIN, or affidavit." NJ MVC 6 Points of ID