WARNING!!
HEAT & YOUR CAR
One place you'll feel the
buildup of summer heat at its worst extreme is in your car. Sun
visors (available at most grocery, drug, and convenience stores), window
tinting, seat covers, and steering-wheel covers will do a lot to make your car's
interior more bearable. Also, it's a good idea to leave a window
cracked open just a little when you leave your car parked for any length of
time. NEVER leave pets or children in your parked car in hot weather,
even with the air conditioning on. It is a felony in
Arizona. Besides being illegal, it can be DEADLY, and often is, many
times over each summer.
TRAFFIC
Seat Belts are
mandatory. Child car seats/restraints are mandatory for children
under 40 pounds and/or under the age of five. If you are driving with
Arizona license plates, you must comply with Arizona's emission
laws. Emissions testing is required annually. Non-military
family members are required to obtain an Arizona driver's license once residency
is established (generally within 90 days).
The term "vehicle" includes
motorcycles, two, three, and four wheeled, automobiles, trailers, vans, and
boats regularly parked or garaged overnight in Arizona.
Once you have
resided in Arizona for at least six months, you must register and title your
vehicle in the state. Vehicles registered only in the name of the
spouse of the military member must be registered within 30 days of moving to
Arizona or face a fine once you register. Active duty members may be
required to complete a statement affirming that they are physically assigned in
Arizona (get this from your orderly room) and provide a copy of their Leave and
Earning statement (LES) indicating the member's state of residence.
Before registering your vehicle in Arizona, you will need to have the following
items for verification: an emissions test, certificate of title,
proof of insurance, and picture identification. Also, be sure to
bring in your certificate of title and the fee to the emissions stations, the
closest being on 1301 S. Stocker Drive (south of 22nd St., west of
Sarnoff).
The Arizona Department of Insurance provides a brochure,
"Automobile Premium Comparison Survey." This product helps motorists
find the best insurance to meet their needs. The brochure includes
such areas as rate comparisons, consumer information, and a range of prices for
the same coverage. These brochures are available by sending a
self-addressed, stamped envelope to Consumer Affairs Division, Department of
Insurance, 2910 N. 44th St., Ste. 210, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Or you may
phone the Tucson office at 520-628-6370.
No matter what state the member
is a resident of, a "sales tax" of up to 5% of the purchase price of the vehicle
(based upon Bill of Sale) will need to be paid if the vehicle is purchased from
a licensed dealer whether in Arizona or another state. If the vehicle is
registered in another state before arriving here and an amount of sales tax is
collected there, then that portion not collected (up to 5%) will be collected
upon registration here. This should not be confused with property or
excise taxes paid.
If member is an Arizona resident and vehicle is titled
in his/her name, then the member must pay "only" a Vehicle License Tax
(VLT). Call Arizona Office of Transportation at 520-629-9808 for
further information.
When you register your vehicle or renew your vehicle
registration, you will pay $3.45 for every $100 of assessed
value. The assessed value, which is initially determined by taking 60
percent of the manufacturer's suggested retail price, depreciates by 16.25
percent a year. You are not affected if you are currently paying the
minimum license tax of $10. Other Related Fees: Title
transfer $12; Emissions test $12.25. Vehicle purchased by
private individual, sales tax exempt. Ask about "In Lieu" form to save money for
military members only (not spouses). If in both names, save 50
percent.
WEAPONS SAFETY
Handguns can legally be carried, unconcealed
in the state of Arizona. However, they cannot be carried onto
Davis-Monthan AFB. Also, handguns cannot be carried into places
serving alcohol, or anywhere that the management/ownership requires the weapon
be checked upon entering the premises. Carrying a weapon in a motor
vehicle is no different.
For more information see contacts/links.