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.

Michigan 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.

Driver's licenses and vehicle registration can be obtained at the local Secretary of State Office. Go online or call directory assistance for the office closest to you.

When teens get their first driver's license, it is called a graduated driver's license (GDL). A GDL has three levels.

• Level 1 -- You can get a Level 1 license if you are at least 14 years and nine months old. You have to pass Driver's Education Classes.
• Level 2 -- T o move to Level 2, you must practice at least 50 hours of driving and pass a road test. You must be at least 16 years old.
• Level 3 -- At age 17, you can get a Level 3 license with full driving privileges.

You cannot move up a level until you have shown that you can drive safely. The graduated licensing program is only for drivers under age 18. All new drivers are on probation for three years, no matter how old they are when they get their first driver's license. If you have serious problems, such as tickets or accidents, you will be called in by a driver's license examiner to discuss your driving. You could even lose your license to drive. Michigan laws say no one under age 21 can drink alcohol. That is why the laws about drinking and driving are even tougher for drivers under 21. If there is any hint of alcohol on your breath or alcohol in your car, you can be arrested. There is also a mandatory seat belt law stating that everyone must wear a safety belt.

Basic information on driver education:

Driver education programs are provided by both public school districts and private driving schools. When selecting a school, it is important to consider the school’s reputation, program cost and any contract requirements. A list of driver education providers is on the Department of State Website. To view it, click on the following: “Driver’s License and State ID,” “Driver Education,” “Driver Education Provider and Instructor Listings” and “Driver Education Classrooms.”   

Segment 1 -- Driver Education

Requirements

• 14 years. 8 months of age
• permission of parent or guardian

Availability

• Public School District (may require a fee)
• Driver Training School (fee required)

Minimum Course Content

• Minimum of 24 hours of classroom instruction
• Minimum of six hours behind the wheel driving experience
• Minimum of four hours of observation time in a training vehicle

Restrictions

• May drive only with driver education instructor unless school issued limited parent driving permit.

Segment 1 Certificate of Completion is not a permit to drive and cannot be treated as a driver's license. After completing Segment 1, your teen is ready to apply for a Level 1 License. Both you and your teen must go to a Secretary of State branch office to apply for the Level 1 license.

You may obtain more information on the Graduated Driver Licensing by going to the Department of State website.

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 6 years of age and 40 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.

USAG-DTA Speed Limits -- Traffic Speed limit is 25 MPH unless otherwise listed. Parking lot speed is 10 MPH or less.

Seat Belts -- The Michigan Seat Belt Law makes it mandatory for drivers and passengers to buckle up. All Department of Army (DA), State and local police enforce this law.

Vehicle Checks -- Vehicles and personnel are subject to search at any time, prior to being allowed to enter the Detroit Arsenal.

Accidents -- DA police enforce Federal, State and Local laws. Accident reports are available at the DA police station five business days after the incident.

Criminal Offenses -- Crimes on base are investigated by DA police.

Restricted Areas -- Detroit Arsenal is a restricted area; therefore all personnel not assigned to the Detroit Arsenal must obtain a visitor's pass at the Visitor's Control Center at the Eleven Mile Road Main Gate entrance, between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm. After-hours, passes may be obtained at the Guard Gatehouse also located at the Eleven Mile Road Main Gate entrance. For more information, call: 586-282-5000 or DSN 312-786-5000.