The following info on registering vehicles and drivers licence is
specific to military and their family members. For complete info,
click on the SC Department of Motor Vehicleslink in
"Contacts/Links."
DRIVER'S LICENSE: General
rule: Military personnel, their dependents and students temporarily
in SC are not required to obtain a SC driver's license. However, they
must have a current license from their home state in order to operate a vehicle
in SC. If the member/family member chooses to obtain a SC license,
they will have to surrender the license from their home
state.
VEHICLE REGISTRATION: Service
Member(SM)/Sole Ownership -if the SM is the sole owner of a vehicle (the only
person listed on the title)--then the SM has two choices. They may
choose to register their vehicle in SC or with their home of record
State. If the SM chooses to register their vehicle with their home of
record, the member must abide by the rules of that State. Regardless
of where the vehicle is registered, the vehicle must be covered (insured)in
SC. Service Member/Joint Ownership - If the SM has dual ownership of
a vehicle - that is, jointly listed on the title along with a non-servicemember
(such as parent/spouse) the the vehicle MUST be registered in
SC. This MUST me accomplished within 45 days. Non-Service
Member/Sole Ownership - If the SM's non-service member dependent is the sole
owner of a vehicle (only person listed on title) then that person MUST register
the car in SC within 45 days after arrival in SC. If a vehicle is
registered in SC, the owner is responsible for paying annual property taxes;
however the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act may exempt a military member from
paying these taxes. If a vehicle is registered in SC, the owner is
responsible for paying annual property tax. Military members may be
exempt or partially exempt based on how the car is titled. If the
member is the sole owner they may be exempt; if the member is part owner with
another person who is non-military then that person would be responsible for
half of the property tax. More detailed info on this process and
exemption forms is available on the SCDMV website, Family Support Center or from
the SM's unit.
CHILD RESTRAINT/SEAT BELT REGULATIONS FOR
SC: South Carolina state traffic laws apply on Charleston AFB. Seat
belts are mandatory on base. State, local, and base officials can
stop vehicles for suspected non use of seat belts. Seat belts are required for
both drivers and front seat passengers. State law also mandates the use of child
safety seats that meet National Safety Commission standards (buses are the only
exception). Toddlers, under the age of four, must be restrained in the front or
back seat.
VEHICLE CHECKS: All vehicles entering or leaving
Charleston AFB are subject to search. 100% ID check currently in
effect.
MOTORCYCLE/MOPED/BICYCLE OPERATING
RULES/RESTRICTIONS: Military members who operate a motorcycle or
moped, on or off base, are required to have completed an approved motorcycle
safety course and must possess proof of training. Helmets and
protective/reflective clothing (as outlined in AFI 91-207) is required for
active duty motorcycle, moped, and bicycle riders on and off
base. All other riders are required to abide by the same rules as
active duty personnel while riding on base. Although South Carolina
law does not require the use of helmets for riders 21 years of age and above,
everyone is strongly encouraged to do so. Operators should seriously
consider their safety and health before deciding not to wear protective
equipment. Zero tolerance for drinking and driving! For
more information or to schedule motorcycle safety training contact Wing Safety
at 963-5605, DSN 673-5605.
SUNSCREEN DEVICES ON CARS (TINTED WINDOWS):
Failure to meet South Carolina sunscreen device laws will result in a $400 fine.
Personnel relocating to SC must have their vehicle(s) in compliance upon
registering same in South Carolina. South Carolina law states that no person may
operate a motor vehicle that is required to be registered in South Carolina that
has a sunscreen device that does not meet the requirements of SC
law.
WALKING/JOGGING ON BASE: Walkers/joggers must be at least
3 feet off roadway. Walkers/joggers not on trail can not wear
headsets.
TRAFFIC REGULATIONS: Driving under the influence of
alcohol and drugs carries severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The base has a Zero tolerance. In addition, a conviction results in higher
insurance rates. Also, if windshield wipers are on because of weather
conditions, headlights must be on. South Carolina utilizes a point
system to penalize traffic law violators. Each violation carries an assigned
number of points, and when the total reaches a maximum of 12, the driver's
license is suspended. Points are charged to your record for violations committed
in other states.