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.

Texas 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.

Vehicle Safety Inspection Alert: Starting January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles will not require a safety inspection prior to obtaining a Texas vehicle registration. Emission inspections will still be required in designated counties. Please note: The Texas.gov Help Desk cannot answer vehicle inspection questions. Please visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle Website (Register Your Vehicle | TxDMV.gov), for more information:

Temporary passes are issued if you don't have proper government ID.
The following items are required for issuance of a temporary passl:

• current state motor vehicle inspection sticker
• proof of insurance
• current vehicle registration
• driver's license 

NAS Kingsville Driving Rules

• Pass/decal fraud is an automatic six-month suspension of base driving privileges.
• The speed limit on NAS Kingsville is 35 mph unless otherwise posted.
• Slow to 15 mph while entering the station and 20 mph when exiting.
• Seatbelts must be installed in all vehicles, and shall be used by all occupants.
• Child restraint seats are required for children under 5 years of age and under 36 inches in height.
• No child under 7 years of age shall be left unattended in a parked vehicle at any time.
• Use of cell phones is prohibited while driving on NAS Kingsville except when using a hands free device.
• Portable headphones, earphones or other listening devices shall not be used while operating a motor vehicle or while jogging, walking, bicycling or skating on our roadways.
• An approved motorcycle safety driving course completion certificate from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is required to register a motorcycle.
• You must wear the following items while driving a motorcycle on board this station: Helmet (DOT approved), Eye Protection ,(Full face visor or safety goggles), Long-Sleeved Shirt or Jacket, (Day-brightly colored/Night-reflective), Gloves (full-fingered) Shoes/Boots (Leather or sturdy footwear covering the ankle). 

Texas Driver's License -- Texas Dept. of Public Safety Kleberg County Courthouse Annex, Telephone 361-592-1911.

Texas Vehicle Registration -- Motor Vehicle License Plates/Registration: 361-595-8541.

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. Texas forbids cellphone use on all highways and county roads. However, each community establishes their own laws.

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

When a nonresident owner or operator establishes residency in Texas or enters into gainful employment, his or her vehicle(s) may be operated for 30 days after which time the vehicle must be registered in Texas. For information on vehicle registration, please visit: Register Your Vehicle | TxDMV.gov

Seat Belts - Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants of any motor vehicle operated in the state of Texas. Passengers may be cited and fined by law enforcement officer.

Inspections - Please visit: Texas.gov | The Official Website of the State of Texas for more information.

Motorcycles - Motorcycles or motor driven cycles-both military members and dependents must have an endorsement for motorcycle on their license and a special written and riding skills class/test is required.

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 36" 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.

Active-duty drivers and Texas residents on active duty must possess a current/valid state driver's license.