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, for the Presidio of Monterey vist https://home.army.mil/monterey/index.php/about/garrison-directorates/emergency-services/vehicle-registration.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

California 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, for the Presidio of Monterey https://home.army.mil/monterey/index.php/about/garrison-directorates/emergency-services/vehicle-registration

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 6 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 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.

Non-resident military personnel are permitted to operate their vehicles in California with their valid home state license plates, or until the expiration of the plates issued by another state. Registrations may be renewed in the resident state before expiration date, or in California.

California Driver's License

A standard class "A" driver's license for motorcycles or automobiles costs $12. The Department of Motor Vehicles has determined that a California driver's license is not required of a family member as long as the following criteria are met:

• The family member's home state driver's license remains valid.
• The family member is age 18 or older.
• The family member does not establish residency in California.
• The family member is not employed for compensation for the purpose operating a motor vehicle.

The DMV maintains that lawful family members are entitled to the same non-resident status as their active duty sponsors.

Post Regulations

The installation regulations regarding motor vehicles are as follows: Per IAW AR 190-5 the following criteria must be met to be issued a decal:

• Live or work on the Presidio of Monterey or a military retiree.
• Have a valid Drivers License.
• Have a valid vehicle registration w/name of applicant whom decal is to be issued. (If the Applicants name is not on the registration, a notarized letter must be initiated by the registered owner indicating that the applicant has full use of the vehicle. SJA may be able to assist military personnel in this matter. The other option is for the owner of the vehicle to contact DMV in person and have the applicant added to the registration.)
• Valid insurance.
• Valid ID card.
• If registering a motorcycle, a motorcycle license and Motorcycle Defensive Drivers Certification Card.
• Vehicles that are four years old or older, are required to have a smog check. 1974 or older vehicles are exempt from the smog requirement.
• Vehicle Registration Form should be accompanied with the Smog Certificate, where applicable.
• National Guard personnel are only authorized a decal if they are assigned to the POM for language study or live or work on the POM.
• No one will be issued a decal unless they meet all of the requirements as indicated above.

Procedures:

1. Personnel entering the POMPD and have the completed VRS Form, will be asked for their drivers license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. All military personnel attempting to register their vehicles with POMPD will have a copy of their orders assigning them to the Presidio of Monterey, to determine status. VRS personnel will review the information on the VRS Form for completeness, check the drivers license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration documents, (Smog Certification if the vehicle is registered out of the state of California and is four years old or more) SEE ATTACHED STATEMENTS REQUIRING SMOG CHECKS to ensure they are valid and that the individuals signature appears on the bottom of the form. Personnel with newly purchased vehicles will be issued a decal only if they provide the sales agreement (Bill of Sale), they will be required to contact the VRS an inform them of the License Plate number when their license plates arrive.

2. VRS Personnel will also verify the status of the individual, to ascertain if the individual should have a decal or obtain a Vistors Pass at the Franklin or Bolio Street Gates. National Guards are not authorized a decal unless they are federally activated and live or work on the Presidio of Monterey. If they qualify their expiration date is one year from date of issue.

Army Reservists will be informed to obtain a visitors pass at the Franklin or Bolio Street Gate, the Visitors Pass will be valid until their training is completed. Retired civilian instructors or civilians are not authorized decals and must obtain a Visitors Pass to gain access to the POM. DFAS employees will only be issued decals if they live or work on the POM. Regular Armed Forces personnel will be issued decals only if they live or work on the POM. Recruiters that live outside of the Monterey Peninsula will not be issued a decal.

Active duty and retired Navy personnel will be directed to obtain decals for their vehicle from the Naval Postgraduate School. Naval personnel assigned to NTTCD will be the exception and will be issued decals if they qualify.

3. Decals expire four years from date of issuance, contractors decals however expire one year from date of issuance. After reviewing the form the VRS Clerk will sign the "Reviewed By" portion of the form indicating that he/she have reviewed the form. They will then issue the decal according to the individual status. (ie., officer, enlisted, civilian or contractor. Once decals are issued, the information on the forms will be put into the COPS program as soon as possible, after which the form will be filed alphabetically by unit or organization in which the individual is assigned. Personnel requesting decals for their motorcycles must have in their possession a Motorcycle Defensive Drivers Course Card before registration of the motorcycle can take place.

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 https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/Distracted-Driving and for the Presidio of Monterey https://home.army.mil/monterey/index.php/about/garrison-directorates/emergency-services/vehicle-registration.