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.

You can find Nebraska specific information here: https://dmv.nebraska.gov/dvr/reg/mvreg.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Nebraska 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 Nebraska State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

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 5 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 State 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.

Registering Vehicles on Base

There is no requirement for registering vehicles on Offutt Air Force Base. Every driver coming through the gate must show a valid ID card and be prepared to show proof of registration and proof of insurance upon request.

Base Regulations

ID Cards -- Military and Civilian ID: Personnel should report to the Military Personnel Section Customer Service Office to obtain military and civilian ID cards.

Safety Requirements --

• Seatbelt use is mandatory for drivers and passengers of all vehicles operated on or off base.
• Pedestrians in crosswalk have the right of way; however, they should not step into crosswalks in the path of approaching vehicles when such action would require emergency braking on the part of the vehicle operator.
• Pedestrians must consider surface road conditions prior to entering crosswalk.
• Any use of a cell phone is prohibited on base while driving unless you are using a hands free device

Weapons registration -- Military and family members living in government housing are required to register their firearms with the 55th Security Forces Squadron. This may be done at the pass and identification section.

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.