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.

Colorado 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.

Active Duty U.S. military personnel and their spouses are exempt from obtaining a Colorado driver's license when they have a valid driver's license issued by another state. Military personnel on active duty in Colorado and who claim another state as their home of residence may register their vehicle(s) in Colorado.

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.

Traffic -- Colorado traffic laws apply on the Academy. Seat belts are mandatory. Child seats/restraints are mandatory for all children under 40 pounds. Hand-held cell phone use is prohibited.

Vehicle Checks -- All vehicles entering the Academy are subject to search at any time. Entry to the installation indicates consent to search.

Vehicle Accidents -- Vehicle accidents should be reported to the Base Defense Operations Center (BDOC) (719) 333-2000.

Weapons -- Firearms may be transported in privately owned vehicles to and from authorized storage, from storage to off base, to Jacks Valley Range, or to Academy deer hunts. Firearms must be unloaded and physically separated from ammunition while in transport.

Unloaded firearms may be transported in the trunk, in a gun rack, or in clear view on the vehicle seat. Due to heightened security measures, inform the gate guard that you have an unloaded, registered weapon in the vehicle and your destination.

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.

Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and all front-seat passengers in Colorado. Children must be restrained in boosters or other appropriate child car seats in the back seat only (no exceptions), until they reach the age of 8 years old. For specific guidelines go to the Colorado Department of Transportation website.

Motorcycle drivers must obey all the same traffic laws as other motor vehicles on the roadways. Because those laws vary from state to state, make sure you're aware of Colorado laws so you can ride safely and legally. Visit the Colorado Department of Transportation 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 Colorado Department of Transportation 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.