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.

Texas 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.

Privately owned vehicles are no longer required to be registered with the base. The phone number for the Visitors Center is 940-676-7441 or DSN 312-736-7441.

Motorcycle Registration

Motorcycle Information: All riders accessing Sheppard AFB, regardless of status, must adhere to the Air Force PPE requirements as listed in AFI 91-207. Military members are required to in-process with their squadron's Motorcycle Safety Representative (MSR) to ensure the rider is registered in the MUSTT system and receives commander approval/briefings in order to ride a motorcycle. Those military members requiring Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) training should contact the 82 TRW Safety Office at 940-676-2008 or DSN:  312-736-2008.

Texas state traffic laws apply on Sheppard AFB when Federal or Military law does not override same.
Seat Belts -- All vehicle occupants must wear safety belts regardless of when the vehicle was manufactured. Texas law requires children to be restrained in an approved child car safety seat (car seat) or a booster seat until they are 8 years of age or 4'9". A person commits an offense if the person who operates a passenger vehicle, transports a child who is younger than 8 years of age unless the child is taller than 4'9", and does not keep the child secured during the operation of the vehicle in a child passenger safety seat system according to the instructions of the manufacturer of the safety seat system.

Individual child car safety seat training and inspections are available by appointment from the Wing Safety Office at 940-676-4149 or Family Advocacy at 940-676-2271.

Vehicle Checks -- All vehicles entering or leaving Sheppard AFB are subject to search.

Weapons Registration -- Personnel residing on Sheppard AFB must register all weapons immediately upon arrival or purchase, through the unit Command Support Staff. Proper storage will be determined based on address and the types of weapons owned. The armory is located in Bldg 2118. For additional information on registering and storing weapons call 940-676-2658 or DSN 312-736-2658.

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 36" in height 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.