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 for links to state-specific websites.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Florida 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.

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 3 years of age be properly restrained in child seats according to size and age. 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

To register your vehicle on base you will need the following: Vehicle Registration or right to operate the vehicle, A valid drivers license, Proof of Insurance, policy number and expiration date.

Additional Safety Information

Seat Belts -- Seat belts must be worn in accordance with Florida State law, and base regulation requires all passengers to wear seat belts while on the installation. Base security personnel do establish random check-points on the gates to ensure that seat belts are in use. Violators are subject to citation.

Cycling -- Safety helmets are required for all bike riders on base.

Cellular telephone "hands-free" devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide. Blue Tooth ear pieces are not authorized.

Florida Driver's License

Active duty personnel may drive in Florida without getting a Florida driver's license if you hold a valid driver's license from your home state. A Florida driver's license is required of any driver who becomes a resident of Florida, is employed in Florida or registers a child in a Florida public school. Licenses must be obtained within 30 days of the above actions.

New residents are required to pass a visual examination if they have a valid license from another state. Test appointments are recommended but not needed. A new license costs $54.25 and is valid for eight years. License renewal is $54.25 and replacement cost is $31.25, which includes an additional $6.25 service fee.  Veterans that provide or have previously provided evidence of veteran status will not be charged the $6.25 service fee.

Drivers must be at least 16 years old to qualify for a driver's license and 15 to get a restricted learner's permit and must have it for one year with no tickets to qualify for a drivers license.

Driver Improvement Programs

The Northeast Florida Safety Council offers various Driver Improvement Programs designed to teach students the values of safe and sober driving. These may include:

• 4-Hour First Time Driver Course
• Learner's Permit Exam
• 4-Hour Basic Driver Improvement Course 
• 8-HOur Basic Driver Improvement Course
• 12-Hour Advanced Driver Improvement Course
• Mature Driver Course (over 55 years old)  

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 dmvnv.com/50_state_dmv_list.html