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.

Driving a government vehicle or a privately-owned vehicle (POV) within NAWS China Lake gates is a privilege and requires that you follow NAWS' policies and rules for operating a vehicle while onboard the installation:

• All vehicles driven onboard Station must be properly registered and have insurance.
• The China Lake Police Department enforces all California Motor Vehicle laws.
• Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit onboard NAWS is 25 mph.
• Cell phones will not be operated by the driver of an automobile unless in “hands-free” mode.
• The Navy and the Department of Defense take motorcycle safety very seriously. Riders onboard the Station must take part in a motorcycle rider safety class.To enroll in Navy Region Southwest Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes, please visit http://www.navymotorcyclerider.com/ and select “Navy Training Registration - Powered by ESAMS” at the bottom of the screen to view a 90-day schedule. Note that you do not need to select an option for each and every step before searching. If you have problems enrolling for class, you need to contact the ESAMS help desk at (865) 693-0048 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday-Friday, or 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST on Saturdays.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

California 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. 

In California, nonresident military personnel are permitted to operate a vehicle with valid license plates from either:

• The individual’s home state or country.
• The state or country where the individual was regularly assigned and stationed when the license plates were issued,     if the following requirements are met:
  • The license plates displayed on the vehicle are valid plates issued by a foreign jurisdiction.
  • The vehicle registration and license plates are issued to the military person or military spouse 
  • The vehicle registration and license plates are issued by the foreign jurisdiction where the military person was last regularly assigned and stationed for duty by military orders or a jurisdiction claimed by the nonresident military person as the permanent state of residence.
  • If the vehicle is a motor vehicle, the owner or driver has insurance.

Military orders do not include orders for leave, temporary duty, or other assignment of any nature requiring the military person’s presence outside the foreign jurisdiction where the owner was regularly assigned and stationed for duty.

This section applies to all vehicles owned by the military person or spouse except any CMV used in any business manner.

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 6 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. 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.

Operating a POV on Station

Vehicle registration papers and a valid operator's permit from your home state are needed to operate a privately owned vehicle both on and off Station. Drivers from other states should also get a valid California driver's license promptly. Active Duty Military and their dependents can retain their out of state License as long as their AD status does not change or they are not a CA resident. Reservists and retirees are not applicable.

Decals and Registration

Decals are not mandated onboard the installation if accessing the main side of the installation but in order to access secured areas such as the Flight line and Ranges a decal is required. To obtain a decal the Pass & ID office is located outside the main gate on China Lake Blvd, contact info 760-939-3160. Please have your vehicle registration and proof of insurance available.

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.