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Contact information for key programs and services at this installation.
Figuring out the best way to get around is important when you’re in a new installation. It’s useful to understand the various regulations, local laws as well as license and registration requirements. Whether you need a driver’s license, transport a car overseas or want help buying a car, there are people to assist you at your new installation. Check out the topics below to find information and regulations on vehicles and registration at your base.
In the UK vehicles are driven in the left traffic lane, passing occurs in the right traffic lane, and intersections appear in the form of roundabouts to promote the smooth flow of traffic. The wearing of seat belts is mandatory for all occupants in the vehicle equipped with belts.
Child Safety Seats -- US vehicles imported by member of Armed Forces can use either a US car seat or European Union safety certified car seat. However, if you purchase a UK specific vehicle you can only use the European Union safety certified car seat IAW 3rd AF Legal.
AFI 91-207, ALCONI 31-204 and UK Law - Child restraint requirements:
Some confusion can exist between AFI’s, UK laws and ALCONI 31-204, Traffic Code. We recommend you follow the more stringent rule for the size and weight of your child.
Cell Phones -- It is a specific offense to use a hand-held phone, or similar device, when operating a motor vehicle. Fines will be a minimum of $200 and up to $1000. (Pound Sterling)
Speed Limits -- The on-base speed limits are: 25 mph on RAF Alconbury, 25mph on RAF Molesworth, 15mph in all housing areas, and 10 mph in parking lots, unless otherwise posted. Passing is only permitted to overtake vehicles. Children must be at least 7 years of age to be left unattended in a motor vehicle and the keys must be removed.
Vehicle Inspections and Checks -- All vehicles entering or leaving the installations are subject to random inspections and checks.
Reporting Vehicle Accidents -- Any person involved in an on base accident must report it immediately to the Security Forces Control Center at 314-268-2402 or 011-44-1480-822402. Off base accidents must also be reported as soon as possible.
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.
Personnel and their dependents permanently assigned and those who are on temporary duty travel to the Royal Air Force Alconbury and RAF Molesworth area for more than 30 days must attend Course II (Local Safety Conditions brief) which is given by the Wing Safety Office. Both Course II and the driver’s examination are required to receive the 3rd Air Force driving/fuel permit license. You have 30 days from your report date to attend Course II and to complete the driver’s examination in order to obtain a driver’s license. You must meet both of these requirements if you want to operate any vehicle in this country; this includes government vehicles.
TDY: Must attend Local conditions Course with 15 Duty days upon arrival. If longer than 30 days must provide a copy of their TDY orders, valid stateside driver’s license or civilian driver’s license and copy of driver’s exam to get issued a 3AF.
Permanently-assigned personnel driving their own vehicles from the European continent and personnel on temporary duty travel (on TDY for 45 days or longer) operating a rental vehicle authorized on their orders have 30 days in which to complete the 3rd AF driving/fuel permit license process or lose all driving/fuel privileges.
Getting Your 3rd AF Driving/Fuel Permit License
The Wing Safety Office gives both the driver's test and the local safety conditions brief. All questions should be directed to the Wing Safety Office at DSN 314-268-3837.
Keep in mind that the Pass and Registration Office will not issue your license or register your vehicle until the exam and local safety conditions brief documentation is shown.
State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location.
Many states regulate the following:
Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.
Hands-free cellular devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle. This includes the entire UK (even on military installations). Talking on the phone while driving is a citationable offense. Fines will be a minimum of $200 and up to $1000 or be banned from driving or suspended.
Owners must have the title or written permission from the lien holder in their possession to present at the port in order to ship their POV from the U.S. to an overseas location. Failure to do so will result in the vehicle being turned away at the port. Please view the Shipping your POV information in the Household Goods Shipment category of this file.
Before USAFE motorcyclists can operate a motorcycle or moped, they must meet the following requirements:
In USAFE you must complete this training or re-training every three years. If your MSF card is more than three years old retake the course before you PCS. You will not be authorized to register your motorcycle nor ride it in the UK if your card is more than three years old.
If your card expires while you're in the UK, retake the course before the expiration date. Refresher training will reinforce safe riding practices and hone the critical skills needed to operate two-wheeled motor vehicles safely while assigned to USAFE.
The same rules regarding personal protective equipment that apply in the states apply in USAFE with one variation. Your American DOT/SNELL approved helmet is not approved for use in USAFE. You will be required to purchase an EC approved helmet for wear and use in the UK or should you ride on the continent.
Many vehicles and vehicle types you see in the US are available in the UK. Even American style pickup trucks are becoming more popular due to their utility. There are many new and used car dealers available in the local area. There is also a used vehicle lot on base, near the commissary where individuals sell their cars, usually due to PCS. RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall also have used vehicle lots on their bases.
If you are authorized to ship a vehicle to England it will arrive at the Vehicle Processing Center in Mildenhall. Postcode: IP28 7AL. Your shipped vehicle will be exempt from British Road Tax (license plate fees) for the first year.
All vehicles are required to have a Ministry of Transportation (MOT) safety inspection each year. The inspection cost is about $65 at the Inspection Station located on RAF Alconbury. To pass the MOT inspection it will most likely be necessary to have some modifications to your American vehicle to meet the UK requirements. Adjustment to your driving lights and possible modification of your taillights is not uncommon. This can usually be accomplished at the base auto hobby shop. There is a fee. Price can varies depending on the vehicle, it can cost as high as $700. It’s recommend you convert your US vehicle back to original light setting when leaving the UK.
The motor ways are much like our interstate with multiple and wide lanes for traffic. It is only once off the main road and in the small towns and villages the size of your American vehicle may pose a problem negotiating traffic. While on the subject of traffic, gasoline off base is nearly two and three times more expensive than gas purchased on the base depending on the exchange rate. So, plan your trips around access to the gas on military installations, or be prepared to pay local prices.
Road Tax
Road tax is due annually. You will get a reminder of a V11 in the mail one month prior of expiring. Road tax rate varies on the type of vehicle. To check your vehicle is due for road tax by https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax and MOT https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status.