TRAFFIC ISSUES:
Traffic laws are strictly
enforced. Unannounced cursory vehicle inspections are conducted
frequently.
Vehicle Inspections: Alabama does not have a
vehicle inspection program; however, individual military organizations conduct
pre-holiday safety checks.
Vehicle Registration: The
registration of POVs on Fort Rucker is required. Registrants must
present a current Department of Defense identification card (DoD civilians,
military personnel and family members etc.), driver's license, vehicle
registration document (tag receipt), and proof of insurance. All
documents must be current and reflect the registrant's name or the name of their
spouse. If the registration/insurance documents reflect a name other than the
registrant - the registration must present a notarized letter or power of
attorney where the person listed grants the registrant the authority to utilize
the vehicle. This document must be current. Registering
your vehicle on the installation implies your consent to search as well as
impoundment and your responsibility to remit the associated costs (towing and
impoundment fees).
Department of Defense decals are
ACCOUNTABLE. If the vehicle is sold, traded, placed in long-term
maintenance, long-term storage, shipped, or if the windshield replaced - the
decal number should be recorded and the decal REMOVED from the vehicle and
RETURNED to the Vehicle Registration Office. Contractors who have
registered their vehicles on the installation must return the decals once the
contract is terminated, or they are no longer employed with the
organization. Registrants that are leaving for assignments/deployment
outside of the continental United States must remove the decals and return them
to the Vehicle Registration Office. If the registrant has received a
decal from another Vehicle Registration Office - all documents will be presented
along with the decal number and its expiration date. Fort Rucker
Vehicle Registration Office will update the registrant's information to reflect
the assignment at the installation and the decal will remain
current. Registrants must have a Motorcycle Safety Course card in
order to register a motorcycle.
Accidents: All vehicle
accidents must be reported to the Military Police. Animal strikes
(such as deer) must also be reported.
Automobile
Insurance: Active duty and retired military, their family members,
DOD civilian employees, contractor personnel, and other affiliated persons who
operate a POV on Fort Rucker are responsible for carrying and producing proof of
current motor vehicle insurance for the entire period during which the vehicle
is to be operated on Fort Rucker. In Alabama, the required minimum coverage for
automobile insurance is 25/50/20. This means that up to $25,000 must
be paid for a single injury in an accident caused by the insured, but no more
than $50,000 for all injuries in that accident; up to $20,000 would be paid for
property damaged in that accident. Alabama State law requires
automobile insurance to operate a vehicle. On Fort Rucker, Soldiers
are required to have liability insurance. It is recommended that
Soldiers also carry Uninsured Motorist and Collision coverage.
Bicycle
Registration: Bicycles may be registered if
desired. Bicycle rodeos are held throughout the year for this
purpose. Department of Defense Instructions (DODI) requires all
persons riding a bicycle on government facilities to wear a safety
helmet. This law also applies to passengers. Children less
than 40 pounds being carried on a bicycle must ride in an approved safety
seat.
Motorcycle Operation: Personnel operating a motorcycle
on Fort Rucker must comply with USAAVNC Regulation 190-5 and AR
385-55. Motorcycle operators must have a certificate which shows they
have completed an approved motorcycle safety course. They must wear
an approved motorcycle helmet (fastened under the chin), a long sleeve shirt,
approved eye protection (not sunglasses), long trousers, over the ankle shoes
and either bright colored clothing during daylight hours or reflectorized vest
in the hours of darkness.
Child Restraints: Car seats or seat belts are
mandatory for children ages 6 years and under on Fort Rucker.
Seat Belts:
Wearing seat belts is mandatory for all occupants of vehicles when driving on
Fort Rucker. This includes the driver and all passengers in the front
and back seats.
Helmets: All bicycle riders are required to
wear approved bicycle helmets when operating their bicycles. All
motorcycle and moped riders are required to wear an approved
helmet.
Motor Vehicles Tinted Windows: Alabama Vehicle Laws prohibit
motor vehicle drivers to operate a vehicle registered in the state of Alabama
under any of the following conditions:
1. Material or glazing
affixed to the front windshield, which reduces light transmission through the
front windshield.
2. Any material or glazing affixed to the
rear windshield or side windows which reduces light transmission to less than 32
% or increase light reflectance to more than 20%. Light transmission
is measured before any person can be charged.
Criminal
Offenses: Military regulations and laws are strictly enforced.
Service Members are responsible for any offenses incurred by
dependents.
Privately Owned Weapons (POWs): All POWs brought
to Fort Rucker must be registered with the Military
Police. Registration must be updated every four years. A
properly registered POW may be transported to an authorized event when the
weapon and ammunition is physically separated, for example, the POW is carried
in the trunk and the ammunition in the glove box.
Restricted
Areas: Range impact areas, and all unlighted areas during unlighted
hours.
Community Police: The Military Police routinely patrol
the housing areas. Military Police is located in building 510, 3rd
Avenue. (334)255-2222.
Photography: Many of the
Army airfields and heliports prohibit the taking of photographs, unless
coordinated through the Public Affairs Office, Building 115,
(334)255-2474.
Overseas Registration Plates: Service members with
overseas license plates have 30 days to register their vehicle stateside before
it becomes invalid.