Motor Vehicles

LINK: https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/General/General/Laws-and-Regulations---Main-Page

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.

LINK: https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/General/General/Laws-and-Regulations---Main-Page

LINK: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/dmv-publications?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.

LINK: https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/General/General/Laws-and-Regulations---Main-Page 

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

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.

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 owner's expense and risk. During snow conditions, some parking lots and spaces are secured to promote the most effective snow removal procedures.

Seat Belts -- Seat belts are mandatory on base. Child safety seats are required for all children under the age of 4 and less than forty pounds. Children 4 or older who weigh 40 pounds and 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 ID's are issued through PSD in Bldg. 83. Call 860-694-3022 for more information.

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.

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 another, and insurance from a third. Service members may register their vehicles or get an operator's license in CT if desired. In order 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 an 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.

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.

LINK: https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/General/General/Laws-and-Regulations---Main-Page

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