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.

Virginia State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle.  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 registration for the State of Virginia can be done at the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Virginia Beach locations are as follows:

• 1712 Donna Drive, Virginia Beach, VA (Hilltop section of the city, off First Colonial Road)
• 3551 Buckner Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA (off South Independence Blvd. below Lynnhaven Parkway)

Safety Inspections

Vehicle Safety Inspections in Virginia are required annually. Vehicles registered in states having safety inspection laws must display current safety inspection sticker, either from the state of registration or Virginia.

Owners with vehicles registered in states not having mandatory safety inspection requirements must present evidence of having been inspected by an authorized Virginia State Inspection Agent.

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.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. Effective July 1, 2007, children riding in motor vehicles will be required to be properly restrained in a booster seat until they reach eight (8) years of age. Additionally, the new law requires rear-facing child seats be placed only in the back seat of a vehicle. If the vehicle does not have a back seat, the device may be placed in the front passenger seat, provided the airbag has been deactivated, or there is no airbag equipment.

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.  To register for the NAS Oceana Motorcycle Training Course, please go to www.navymotorcyclerider.com or call the Safety Office at: 757-433-2211 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. Cell phones are prohibited from use while driving on any installation in the Hampton Roads area, this includes hands free devices.

Virginia drivers younger than 18 years of age may not operate a motor vehicle in Virginia while using a cellular telephone or other wireless communication devices. The new law prohibits the use of cell phones even if they are considered to be hands free. It also prohibits text - messaging while driving. 

Speed limits are strictly enforced on all bases in the Hampton Roads region. Failure to comply will result in fines and lose of driving privileges on all bases.

Cell phones are prohibited from use while driving on any installation in the Hampton Roads area. This includes hands free devices.