Motor Vehicles

Virginia 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 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Virginia State Laws apply on Dahlgren military installation. On base, ALL vehicle occupants must wear safety belts. For more information pertaining to laws in Virginia, visit Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles. 

If you are an active-duty member of the Armed Forces stationed in Virginia, you, your spouse, and dependent children 16 years and 3 months of age or older may drive with a valid driver's license issued by your home state or country. For more detailed information on obtaining a Virginia driver's license, please visit Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles.

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. Virginia's child passenger safety laws require all children under 8 to be properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat, regardless of weight or height.

Follow basic safety practices by:

• Making sure every occupant in the car is properly restrained by a safety device - whether in a child safety seat or booster seat, or by a seat belt. Do not share seat belts.
• Never holding a child on your lap or allowing anyone to ride in the cargo area of a station wagon, van or pickup.
• Setting a good example by buckling up on every ride. Children are more likely to become lifelong seat belt users when their parents are lifelong seat belt users.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. 

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. 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.

Learn more about motor vehicle laws and safety regulations by visiting Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles.