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.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Oklahoma 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.

State Laws

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 60 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.

Base Regulations

Seat Belts --In Oklahoma, seatbelt use is mandatory for all personnel while operating either government or private vehicles.

Child Restraints --The Oklahoma child restraint law says that all passengers under the age of 13 traveling in any type of vehicle must be in a seat belt/child restraint system, no matter where they are seated. This includes farm tag vehicles. You will be fined for not having your children secured.

Drinking and Driving -- Oklahoma law prohibits driving a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other substances. An alcohol concentration in excess of 0.05 is relevant evidence that the driver’s ability to drive was impaired. If the blood alcohol content is 0.08 or more, or any measurable amount for drivers under 21, or if the arresting officer’s observations of the driver’s behavior, appearance, and mannerisms lead to conviction for DUI, the penalties are imprisonment and a fine.

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

Registering Vehicles on Base

Vance AFB does not require vehicle registration. However, you and your family members must have current military identification cards to be granted access to the base.

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 road safety at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration page.