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.

California 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. California does require smog testing for certain out-of-state vehicles prior to registration in the state. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, smog testing and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website or calling 800-777-0133.

A California License is required when driving a privately owned vehicle if you are an active duty California resident. A non-resident active duty member must have in possession, either a current California driver's license or a valid driver's license issued by state of residence.

If you are a dependent minor between 16 and 18 years of age, you must possess a "Non-Resident Minor's Certificate" issued by the California Department of Vehicles unless you hold a California driver's license.

Insurance Requirements

You must comply with the financial responsibility, compulsory insurance, or no-fault insurance requirements of the state. Insurance rates will vary based upon a variety of reasons that include, but are not limited to :

• Vehicle type/size of engine/factory installed safety options
• Moving violations
• Age and years of driving experience
• Marital status
• Number of vehicles to register

Contact your current insurance company or a national/ international insurance company for details concerning items that will affect your insurance rate upon arrival to California.

Base Regulations

Cell Phones

According to the Joint Traffic Regulations, AFI 31-218 (I), Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision will restrict the use of cell phones while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide. Anyone operating a motor vehicle on Vandenberg AFB will be eligible for citations if using a wireless telephone without a hands free device. The law also prohibits operators sending text messages and utilizing a "push to talk" feature while driving.

Traffic

California state traffic laws apply on Vandenberg AFB. Seat belts are mandatory. State, local, and base officials can stop vehicles if suspected for not using seat belts. Federally approved and properly installed child seats/restraints are mandatory for children under 60 pounds. Information on California child safety seats can be found on the California Highway Patrol website: https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/child-safety-seats/.

Moving Violations

Any moving violations will be reported to the offender's home state DMV.  This policy affects any non-military person issued a Department of Defense Form 1805 (violation notice) by the 30th Security Police Squadron. Point assessments vary from state to state, depending on the type and severity of the violation. Furthermore, vehicle insurance rates could increase because of unsafe driving practices.

Vehicle Checks - All vehicles entering or leaving Vandenberg SFB are subject to search.

Restricted Areas

Some roads may be blocked prior to and during launches. There are also restricted areas to foot or road traffic where there is protected wildlife, or sacred Indian grounds. From 1 Mar - 30 Sept each year, the beaches are restricted to protect threatened/endangered species. Read and comply with all signs/rules. Violators are subject to $100 fines and/or disciplinary action. Penalties under the endangered Species Act can be up to $50,000 and 1 year in jail if you harm a Snowy Plover or Least Tern, or its nest. Due to high fire danger, no off-road vehicle activity is allowed on Vandenberg Space Force Base. 

Photography

Prohibited within the confines of a restricted area and 30 feet outside a restricted area, unless approved by the appropriate area commander. All other photography on VAFB is authorized.

Bicycles

Bicycle Helmet Law is a requirement for anyone under the age of 18 to wear helmets that have been certified to meet or exceed safety standards established by the American National Standards Institute or the Shell Foundation. Violators of the bicycle helmet law will be cited and the penalty for violations will be a maximum of $25. All personnel (all ages) who ride bicycles or use roller blades on VAFB must be in compliance with this law.

Bicyclists will comply with California Vehicle Code (CVC) and obey all traffic signs, signs and rules the same as a vehicle operator. Additionally, they must ride to the extreme right side of the roadway, single file and in the same direction as the traffic flow in areas where bicycle lanes are not provided.

The sidewalk along California Boulevard from the Santa Maria Gate to 13th Street is designated as a bike lane. Bicyclists shall not ride along California Boulevard and shall use the provided bike lane. 

Motorcycles

Motorcycle operators and riders must wear brightly colored or contrasting vest or jacket as an outer garment during the day and reflective during the night to comply with base instruction. A reflectorized vest or armband (2 inch width, minimum) or at least 28 square inches of reflective material must be worn on the back, shoulder or arms. A helmet must be worn which meets Department of Transportation requirements.

In addition, the following must be worn:

• a long-sleeved shirt or jacket
• full-fingered gloves or mittens
• sturdy footwear (Boots are strongly recommended)
• Impact resistant goggles or a full-face shield must be worn, unless the motorcycle has a windshield taller than the helmet of an upright rider.

All motorcycle operators must complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course to drive a two-wheeler on base. See your unit's Motorcycle Safety Rep for more information.

Headphones and earphones are prohibited while on a motorcycle, bicycle, skateboard or skates, except for motorcycle helmet intercoms between the operator and passenger.

Accidents

Dial 911 and be prepared to state the location of the accident. Identify yourself by showing your driver's license and registration to the other driver. If there is bodily injury or damage over $500 an SR-1, accident report, must be filed with the Dept of Motor Vehicles within 10 days.

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. For California, please see the California Highway Patrol website for more information: https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/child-safety-seats/.

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.

California Cell Phone Law - Effective July 1, 2008, the legislation prohibits drivers from using a wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle unless the driver uses a hands-free device. Drivers who violate the law will face a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Smoke-Free Cars - On January 1, 2008, a law went into effect which bans smoking in cars when there are children younger than 18 present. Those caught violating the law will face up to $100 fine.