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 for more information.

Maryland State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle.  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, where, and how to register your vehicle by visiting the Maryland Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Administration website.

Military personnel do not need to re-register their car if the car is currently registered in their home state.

If you are a military member and your vehicle is registered in your home state of residence, in your name alone or jointly with your spouse, Maryland does not require re-registration (Maryland plates). If it is registered in the state where you where last stationed, and that state is not your home state of residence, you must either register in Maryland or your home state of residence within 30 days after arrival. Failure to do so can result in a fine and possible impoundment of your vehicle.

For more information on the State of Maryland's vehicle registration information for military personal visit: https://mva.maryland.gov/vehicles/Pages/registration/military.aspx

For more information on the State of Maryland's driver's license and ID information for military personal and veterans visit: https://mva.maryland.gov/drivers/Pages/military.aspx

Insurance -- All the major insurance companies have offices in Southern Maryland, for more information call the insurance companies directly to compare rates and services that meet your needs.

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 Maryland at the Maryland Department of Transportation page.

Members of the Armed Forces are exempt from acquiring a Maryland driver's license if they have a valid driver's license from the service members state of domicile.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. Effective June 30, 2008, State law requires that all children under 8 years of age and 40 pounds be properly restrained in child seats must ride in a booster seat or other appropriate child safety seat. Every child from 8 to 16 years old who is not secured in a car seat must be secured in the vehicle's seat belt. The back seat is the safest location - children under 13 years old should ride in the back seat. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat. Questions about Child Safety Seat policies can be addressed by visiting this website.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws.  To operate a motorcycle on NAS Patuxent River you must have proof of completion of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation-approved motorcycle safety course IV.

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.

Cell phone use while driving is NOT permitted on NAS Patuxent River or in the state of Maryland.  For more information, safe driving tips, the laws, and regulations visit United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.