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.

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 or 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 on Base

The 100% ID check at Moody gates eliminated the requirement to register your vehicle on base.

Base Regulations

Traffic Law -- Georgia state traffic laws apply on Moody AFB. Seat belts are mandatory. On- and off-base child seats/restraints are mandatory for children 40 lbs. or under. All children under four years of age will use a child restraint seat.

Young drivers will not earn full driving privileges in Georgia until they turn 18. At ages 16 and 17, they will be given a restricted license that bars them from driving between 1 AM and 5 AM, except under certain circumstances. It also prohibits them from driving with more than 3 unrelated passengers per car. School dropouts will not be eligible for a license until they turn age 18. Those under 18 can lose their license due to school suspensions and/or excessive absences.

Cell Phones -- The use of cellular phones is prohibited while operating a vehicle on Moody AFB unless the driver is equipped with a hands-free device. This new Air Force-wide regulation (Feb 2006) is strictly enforced.

Vehicle Checks -- All vehicles entering or departing Moody AFB are subject to search.

Accidents -- Accidents should be reported immediately to the Security Forces at Ext. 73108.

Restricted Areas -- Check with Public Affairs office at Ext. 7-3395 for a current list of restricted areas.

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.