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.

Connecticut 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.

Motorcycles: In order to operate a motorcycle on base, you must complete a DoD Motorcycle Safety course. Check with SUBASE Security before bringing a motorcycle on base.

Registration is required for any boat to which a motor can be attached or a sail boat over 19 feet in length. However, any boat used less than 60 days out of a year does not need to be registered in the State of CT. Canoes and small sailboats do not require registration. Contact DMV for specific information.

Boat License (State): To obtain a boating license in the State of CT, individuals are required to take both the Boating Safety course and the Personal Watercraft course. These courses are offered through Groton Parks and Recreation.

Non-resident military personnel: If you are a non-resident on active duty, you may be eligible for a reduced sales tax rate of 4.5% when purchasing a vehicle in Connecticut. You must provide documentation from your commanding officer or your enlistment papers to the dealer.

Registration fee waiver: To apply for the registration fee waiver, you must complete Form B-276 and provide it to the DMV during your appointment.

Outstanding issues: Make sure there are no outstanding property taxes, parking tickets, or other compliance issues on your vehicle, as this could prevent registration.

Connecticut DMV Publications: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/dmv-publications?language=en_US

State motor vehicle services: https://www.usa.gov/state-motor-vehicle-services

Connecticut DMV: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv?language=en_US

If you are operating a privately owned vehicle (POV), you must stop at the Vehicle Pass Office, Building 500 located at the Main Gate, prior to entering the base. Temporary vehicle passes are issued through the Vehicle Pass Office. Passes are mandatory! Any vehicle caught on base without authorization will be towed at the owner's expense.

The following items are needed to register your vehicle with the base:

• Your vehicle must be registered in your name or your spouse's name.
• You must produce a valid insurance card.
• You must have a valid operator's permit from the state your vehicle is registered in or from the State of CT.
• You must have a valid military ID.
• If your vehicle is ten years old or older, it must pass a safety and emissions inspection that meets CTs requirements.
• All vehicles are required to have the minimum of liability insurance.

Motorcycles: In order to operate a motorcycle on base, you must complete a DoD Motorcycle Safety course. Check with SUBASE Security before bringing a motorcycle on base.

Boat License (State): To obtain a boating license in the State of CT, individuals are required to take both the Boating Safety course and the Personal Watercraft course. These courses are offered through Groton Parks and Recreation.

Registration is required for any boat to which a motor can be attached or a sail boat over 19 feet in length. However, any boat used less than 60 days out of a year does not need to be registered in the State of CT. Canoes and small sailboats do not require registration. Contact DMV for specific information.

• Non-resident military personnel: If you are a non-resident on active duty, you may be eligible for a reduced sales tax rate of 4.5% when purchasing a vehicle in Connecticut. You must provide documentation from your commanding officer or your enlistment papers to the dealer.
• Registration fee waiver: To apply for the registration fee waiver, you must complete Form B-276 and provide it to the DMV during your appointment.
• Outstanding issues: Make sure there are no outstanding property taxes, parking tickets, or other compliance issues on your vehicle, as this could prevent registration.

Register your vehicle: https://portal.ct.gov/services/driving-and-transportation/vehicle-registration-and-title/register-your-vehicle

Driver's Manual: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/-/media/dmv/dmv-pdfs/drivers-manual-english.pdf

To access Naval Submarine Base New London, you must obtain a vehicle pass from the Vehicle Pass Office in Building 500 at the Main Gate and have a valid U.S. Department of Defense ID, driver's license, and vehicle registration/insurance. For visitors, written requests for entry must be submitted to the Commanding Officer's office in advance. Once on base, vehicles must be registered annually with the base.

Office Hours: The office is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. On the first Saturday of each month, it's open 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Traffic – Traffic on SUBASE New London is mild to light even during peak hours. Speed limits on base are 15 to 25 MPH as posted and are monitored by radar. Parking regulations are strictly enforced due to the shortage of parking on base. If it becomes necessary to tow your vehicle, it will be done at the owner's expense and risk. During snow conditions, some parking lots and spaces are secured to promote the most effective snow removal procedures.

Cell Phones – The use of Cell Phones while driving on base is strictly prohibited. The "No Cell Phone while driving" rule is enforced on base as well as off base.

Seat Belts – Seat belts are mandatory on base. Child safety seats are required for all children under the age of 4 and weighing less than forty pounds. Children 4 or older who weigh 40 pounds or more must have an approved child restraint system. All passengers must be in seatbelts

Vehicle Checks – Random checks are conducted at each of the gates on a daily basis. The checks are made once per shift or as deemed necessary. These checks include physical checks by police and by military working dogs.

Accidents – All auto accidents should be reported to SUBASE Police at 860-694-3777. If an ambulance is required, call 860-694-3333.

Criminal Offenses – Housing residents are under the jurisdiction of the Town of Groton. There are neighborhood watch programs in both Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. For more information on military housing areas, call 860-694-4423.

Photography – You are welcome to photograph the many beautiful sites and historical buildings on Upper Base.

Pass and ID Office – The Pass and ID Office issues identification badges to civilian employees and contractors. Bldg. 83 Call 860-694-3022

Military IDs – Military IDs are issued through the Pass and ID Lab in Bldg. 83. For more information, call 860-694-3022.

Connecticut DMV – https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/dmv-publications?language=en_US

At Naval Submarine Base New London, all drivers are subject to a blend of federal regulations (as military bases are federal property) and applicable Connecticut state laws. All vehicles must be registered with the base, and all occupants must wear seatbelts when entering through the base Gate. Gate access: All visitors must enter through the 24/7 Main Gate (Gate 1) and be sponsored. Commercial vehicles must use Gate 7, which is open Monday–Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The state laws of Connecticut, including traffic laws, apply both on and off base, and military personnel must adhere to base-specific vehicle rules, like speed limits and parking regulations.

On-base Transportation and Vehicle Requirements

All vehicles must have the minimum liability insurance required by law. Vehicles ten years or older must pass a Connecticut safety and emissions inspection.

Required documents: When entering, you must have:

• U.S. Department of Defense identification card
• Valid driver's license
• Current vehicle registration
• Proof of insurance

Vehicle Pass: A vehicle pass is required for private vehicles.

To register a vehicle on base, you need a valid military ID, a valid driver's license from any state or Connecticut, a valid insurance card, and proof of vehicle registration in your or your spouse's name. A vehicle pass can be obtained from the Vehicle Pass Office in Building 500.

Employee and Contractor IDs: Civilian employees and contractors need identification badges from the Pass & ID Office in Building 83.

Inspections and Searches: Random vehicle checks are conducted at the gates daily by military police and working dogs. 

All military personnel may hold any current state license and registration. Be careful to avoid the "TRI-STATE LAW"- license from one state, registration from any other, and insurance from a third. Service members may register their vehicles or get an operator's license in CT if desired. To register a vehicle in CT, you will need the following:

• Vehicle title with required information completed.
• Bill of Sale for that vehicle.
• Proof of CT-approved insurance on that vehicle.
• For vehicles ten years old or older, complete emissions and safety inspection.
• Completed Form H-13, available from DMV offices.

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 and 60 pounds be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Applicable State and Local Laws

While on base, you must comply with all posted traffic signs and regulations, including speed limits (typically 15 to 25 MPH). Many state laws are also enforced during your installation visit:

Motorcycles: 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.

Seatbelts: Seatbelts are mandatory for all drivers and passengers. Violations can result in heavy fines.

Child Restraints: All children must be in an approved child restraint system, according to state law (e.g., under age 4 and less than 40 pounds require specific car seats; older/heavier children have other requirements).

Cell Phone Usage: The "no cell phone while driving" rule is strictly enforced both on and off base. Only hands-free devices are permitted while operating a motor vehicle on any military installation.

Licensing and Registration: Military personnel may maintain their home state driver's license and registration. However, you may choose to register your vehicle in Connecticut if desired, a process requiring a title, bill of sale, and proof of CT-approved insurance.

DUI Laws: The base enforces a strict blood alcohol content standard of 0.08 for driving under the influence.

Accidents: All auto accidents on base should be reported immediately to the SUBASE Police.

For detailed information on specific Connecticut laws, refer to the official State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Transportation Options

In addition to private vehicles, local taxi and rideshare services operate outside the base gates.

Connecticut DMV: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/dmv-publications?language=en_US

Connecticut eRegulations System: https://eregulations.ct.gov/eRegsPortal/