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.

Arkansas 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.

Private-owned vehicles will need to be registered/vetted prior to entrance on the installation. Registration is completed at the Pass and Visitors Registration Office in Bldg. 17-310 in the White Hall/Plainview Administrative Complex. Registration hours are Monday through Thursday, and every other Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The requirements for obtaining an Arkansas driver's license or identification card will depend on the license you are bringing with you from the other state. At any local revenue office, an out-of-state license (not expired over 31 days, suspended, or revoked) may be surrendered in exchange for an Arkansas driver's license. If the out-of-state license is over 31 days but less than one year, you will be required to take the written and vision examination, but will not be required to take the road examination. If the out-of-state license is expired over one year, you will be required to take the written, vision, and road examination.

If you do not have the actual out-of-state license to surrender and cannot obtain one, you will be required to take both written and road tests. There is not a waiting period between written and driving examinations for persons transferring from out of state.

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.

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 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.