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.

New York 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.

Residents must register their personal weapons with the West Point Military Police. Bicycle registration is recommended.

The Provost Marshal's Office (PMO) handles Weapons and Bicycle Registration for all residents. To register a personal weapon, bring your CAC or DOD identification card, driver's license, and weapon information including serial number. All registration forms are available on-site.

Mon - Fri 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sat and Sun - closed
Holidays - closed

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 be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

*** NY State law effective November 1, 2019, all children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat.

NY State law effective November 1, 2020:

• All motor vehicle passengers aged 16 and older must be restrained by a seat belt.
• Backseat passengers in a taxi or livery who are 16 years of age or older must be restrained by a seat belt.
• All passengers in a taxi or livery who are 8-15 years of age must be restrained by a seat belt.

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.

New York State has 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. New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law 1225-c provides the guidelines for cell phone usage. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. 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.

Rollerblades (in line skates) can be used in empty parking lots or on side streets. Rollerblading is not allowed on the main roads/streets.

Seat Belts and Car Seats:

• Effective November 1, 2020:

• All motor vehicle passengers aged 16 and older must be restrained by a seat belt.
• Backseat passengers in a taxi or livery who are 16 years of age or older must be restrained by a seat belt.
• All passengers in a taxi or livery who are 8-15 years of age must be restrained by a seat belt.

New York State law requires all children to be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle, until they reach their 8th birthday. Effective November 1, 2019, all children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat.

Safety tips for specific seats and age groups:

• Rear- Facing: Infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, but at least until the age of 2. If a child outgrows the weight or height limit of the seat, then a convertible or all-in-one car seat should be used in the rear-facing position until the child outgrows the weight or height limit set by the car seat manufacturer.
• Forward-Facing: Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
• Booster Seats: Use a belt positioning booster seat when your child’s weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for the car seat. Keep your child in a booster seat until the lap and shoulder belts fit properly, typically between 8 and 12 years old.
• Seat Belts: Use a lap and shoulder belt when the seat belts fit your child properly. The lap belt should be low and snug across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt should lie across the middle of the chest and shoulder.
• All children under age 13 should ride in the backseat.

Find additional information on finding the right seat from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

**Effective November 1, 2020, all motor vehicle passengers aged 16 and older must be restrained by a seat belt.**

• All school bus passengers under the age of four must be restrained in a federally approved car seat. [Section 1229-c(11), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

Motorcycle Requirements

AR 385-10 requires all military motorcycle and moped operators and passengers to use the following on post:

• Motorcycle Helmet (DOT Certified)
• Goggles or Full Face Shield
• Sturdy Footwear (no open toe shoes)
• Long Sleeves/ Long Trousers
• Full-fingered Gloves
• Reflector Belt around torso or backpack (Day)
• Retro-reflective Outer Upper Garment (Night)

Civilian motorcycle motorcycle operators and passengers must wear certified motorcycle helmets.

All Soldiers must pass a motorcycle safety course and carry the safety card while operating the vehicle. Contact the USMA West Point Safety Office at 845-938-3717 6129 to schedule a class date if you plan on operating a motorcycle on post.

Cell Phone Use -- New York State is the first state in the nation to enact the hands-free cell phone while driving law. Using the cell phone in hand, while driving is an enforceable traffic infraction that carries a $100 fine per violation. Headsets or speakers, including hands-free units are permitted. You must keep your hands on the wheel while driving in New York.

Storage of RVs, Boats and Trailers

RVs, boats and trailers may only be stored in the following locations:

• Behind the PX/Commissary on along Ordnance Road pull off (not on the road)
• Round Pond (monthly fee required)

RVs, boats and trailers may not be stored in housing areas or in other locations on West Point not listed above. Only residents living on West Point may store the RVs, boats and trailers on West Point grounds. Contact DFMWR, Outdoor Recreation at 845-938-8249 or 3926 for more information. Listings of off post commercial storage facilities are available through the Leisure Travel Services (Formerly ITR) office at 845-938-3601.