Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, driver’s license and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, SUVs, vans, pickup trucks, mopeds, RVs (small, noncommercial) 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. For links to state specific websites visit: https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services

You need to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license 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 (Class E) within a few months of moving.

Access the complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/renew-or-replace-your-florida-driver-license-or-id-card/.

• Driver Licenses & ID Cards
• REAL ID

The REAL ID Act became effective nationwide on May 11, 2008. Florida began issuing REAL ID compliant credentials after January 1, 2010. The new credentials have a star in the upper right corner of the card. Florida is a REAL ID compliant state, and all Florida licenses should be accepted nationwide.

The Department of Homeland Security announced on December 20, 2013, that enforcement of REAL ID credentials will begin in a measured, fair and responsible way.

REAL ID: REAL ID is a nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of State-issued driver licenses and ID cards, which in turn will help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.

You will need to bring a primary identification document to establish your identity, proof of legal residence and date of birth.

Beginning January 2, 2020, customers who are not Real ID compliant will be unable to renew or replace credentials through MyDMV Portal.

What you can Drive with a Class E License

Class E license can be renewed up to 18 months prior to the card’s expiration date, and it is valid for 8 years in Florida.

Currently there is no motor vehicle (POV) registration onboard NAS Pensacola. The Visitor Control Center (VCC) at building 777 can answer questions regarding access to the base 850-452-4153.

Motorcycles

Requirements for motorcycle registration on board the military installations: You should be a certified, licensed motorcycle operator, carry motorcycle insurance and have proof of registration.

As of 06 March 2013, the following PPE (Proper Protective Equipment) will apply to all personnel, regardless of service affiliation, to include dependents and active duty on or off base:

• A properly fastened (under the chin) protective helmet certified to meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Fake or novelty helmets are prohibited.
• Properly worn eye protective devices (impact or shatter resistant goggles or full-face shield properly attached to the helmet). A windshield, fairing, or eyeglasses alone are not proper eye protection.
• Properly worn long-sleeved shirts or jackets, long-legged trousers, and full-fingered gloves or mittens designed for use on a motorcycle.
• Sturdy footwear is mandatory. Leather boots or over-the-ankle shoes are strongly encouraged. Tennis shoes are not authorized.
• A brightly colored outer upper garment during the day and a reflective upper garment during the night. The outer upper garment shall be clearly visible and not covered. Military uniforms do not meet these criteria.

Regulatory authority comes from OPNAVINST 5100.12J and NASPNCLAINST 5560.5AA.

Bicycles

Bicyclists must obey all traffic control signals. An adult bicyclist may carry a child in a backpack or sling, child seat or trailer designed to carry children. You may not allow a passenger to remain in a child seat or carrier when you are not in immediate control of the bicycle.

Bicyclists and passengers must wear helmets approved by ANSI, Snell or other standards recognized by Florida (in the community it is required by law only if under age 16, but all ages are strongly encouraged to wear a helmet).

For use between sunset and sunrise, a bicycle must be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from 500 feet to the front and both a red reflector and a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from 600 feet to the rear. Do not wear headphones or any other listening device except a hearing aid while bicycling.

Mopeds

You must be 16 years of age or older to operate a moped on a public road (this installation). Operators of mopeds must have the minimum of a Class E license. No motorcycle endorsement is required. Mopeds must be registered annually and a tag purchased. Mopeds may not be operated on bicycle or foot paths. No person may operate a Moped at a speed greater than 25mph. Moped operators do not have to have PIP insurance. On the military installation you are required to wear a helmet (not in the civilian community).

For further safety information and/or instructions for NAS Pensacola Security Office at 850-452-2032.

Traffic - Florida State laws apply onboard NAS Pensacola, Whiting Field, and Corry Station.

Seat Belts - Seat belts are mandatory in all vehicles manufactured after model year 1966. This is mandatory for all military service members and Reserve Component members driving or riding in a POV/Government Vehicle on or off the installation. Restraint systems will be worn by all civilian personnel (family members, guests, and visitors) driving or riding in a POV on the installation.

Child Restraints - Car seats are required in POVs for children 4 years old or under and who do not exceed 45 pounds.

Headlights - Headlights are mandatory during rain, fog, dusk, and of course, at night.

Speed Limits - The speed limit is 20 mph unless otherwise posted; traffic is busiest between 6 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.

Window Tinting - Windshields may not be covered or treated with any material which has the effect of making the windshield reflective or in any way non-transparent. It must be free of any stickers not required by law (i.e., base decal, parking permit). Side Windows may not be composed of, covered by, or treated with any, material which has a highly reflective or mirrored appearance and reflects more than 35% of the light. Rear Windows: when the rear window is composed of, covered by, or treated with any material which makes the rear window non-transparent, the vehicle must be equipped with side mirrors on both sides.

Radar Detectors - All radar detection devices are illegal aboard the naval installations here in Pensacola.

Cell Phones - As of 1 December 2005, on all DOD installations cell phone use is prohibited in moving vehicles (both government and privately owned), unless used with a hands-free device or safely parked. A fine will be imposed on violators. Additionally, on-board NAS Pensacola property, if you drive and talk on a cell phone it is a 1-month (30 days) suspension of driving privileges and 6 points assessed against your license. It only takes 12 points, and an individual loses driving privileges for one year.

Vehicle Checks - All vehicles entering or leaving the various military installations here at Pensacola are subject to search. NAS Security conducts search periodically with the use of military dogs.

Troop Formations - all troop formations have the right -of way.

Crosswalks - Vehicle drivers are required to remain stopped until pedestrians in crosswalks are completely clear of the road, not just the lane that the vehicle driver is in. This applies to all roadways aboard NAS Pensacola, Corry Station and Saufley Field per the following instruction: OPNAVINST 5100.12 J and NASPCLAINST 5560.5AA.

Running/Jogging - Runners/joggers are to wear high visibility clothing during daylight hours and reflective material when running at dusk/dawn/night.

For emergencies dial 911.

If you are an active duty military member stationed in Florida, you and your dependents do not need a Florida Driver's License unless:

• You, as the Service Member, or your spouse claims homestead exemption, then ALL drivers in the family must obtain a Florida driver's license.
• You, as the Service Member, becomes employed locally, then ALL drivers in the family must obtain a Florida Driver's License.
• Your spouse becomes employed locally, then your spouse and your children who drive must obtain a Florida license (not the military member).
• Your child becomes employed locally, then only the employed child who drives must obtain a Florida driver's license.

You can find out everything you need on  https://www.stateofflorida.com/drivers-license/.

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

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. 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.