VEHICLE CHECKS
All vehicles entering or leaving Davis-Monthan
are subject to search.
Speeding on Davis-Monthan Air Force base is not
tolerated. All roads on base are routinely patrolled and radar is
used to find and ticket violators. Do not expect any flexibility in
the posted speeds. Base housing is of particular concern due to
adults and children traversing the streets. Be especially careful in
these areas. And the speed in all parking lots on base is 5
m.p.h. Violators are ticketed. The Air Force directed
points system is strictly enforced, so don't be surprised if you see people
taking the "shoe leather express" to work for having too many moving violations
on the base.
You cannot use a cell phone if you are the operator of a
vehicle on base, while the vehicle is in motion unless you are using a
hands-free device. Otherwise, pull to the side of the road or into a
parking lot before answering.
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
Arizona state traffic laws apply on
Davis-Monthan AFB. 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). Current
cost is $15.50.
Automobile insurance will likely be an increase for you
when moving here. 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 the 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. For emissions:
- Only
cash and personal checks are accepted at inspection stations
- Checks must
be from an Arizona bank or an Arizona branch if an out-of-state bank
-
Checks must have the imprinted name and physical in-state address (no post
office boxes) of the customer.
- Make checks payable to Arizona Department
of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). No third party checks, please
- A valid
driver's license, other official photo identification or a bank guarantee card
is required when paying by check
- Credit and debit cards are not
accepted
Vehicle purchased by private individual is sales tax exempt. Ask
about "In Lieu of Tax" form in your Commander Support Staff office to save money
for military members only (not spouses). If in both names, save 50
percent.
WEAPONS SAFETY
Firearms are not allowed on Davis-Monthan AFB
unless they are registered with Security Forces. Personnel living in
on-base quarters are required to register their weapons with Security
Forces. Those individuals residing in dormitories must register their
weapons at Security Forces and store them in the Security Forces
armory. Handguns can legally be carried, unconcealed in the state of
Arizona. However, they cannot be carried onto Davis-Monthan AFB nor
any other military or federal reservation. Also, handguns cannot be
carried into places serving alcohol, or anywhere that the management/ownership
requires the weapon be checked upon entering the premises.
For more
information see contacts/links.