NEW JERSEY HAS VERY STRICT--AND MANY UNIQUE--LAWS, LICENSE REQUIREMENTS, AND REGULATIONS. PLEASE READ THIS TOPIC CAREFULLY AND IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT, CONTACT THE FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER, BASE LEGAL OFFICE, OR SECURITY FORCES FOR MORE INFORMATION. The following categories contain general information regarding the most frequently encountered regulations.
Traffic - There are some driving features unique to New Jersey - The first are "traffic circles", (known at some overseas locations as "roundabouts"), which are places where several major roads or highways intersect, in a circle. The other being the "jughandle"...at intersections where you wish to make a left or U-Turn, you must in actuality turn RIGHT, to loop around to make a LEFT or a U-TURN. Left turn lanes or center-turn ("suicide") lanes are rare. Watch for signs that typically say "all turns" prior to a jughandle!!
Vehicle Checks - MAFB is a "closed" base; meaning that vehicles entering must have vehicle registration decal or obtain a visitor's pass from the 24 hour gate; which is clearly marked from the highway leading to McGuire. ID cards, vehicle registration for permanent party and retirees, driver's license, and proof of insurance are required.
Accidents - On base report to Security Force's Desk Sergeant 724-2001
Criminal Offenses - Report to Security Force's Desk Sergeant 724-2001 Crime Tip Hot Line (anonymous) 724-3917
Crime Stop - 911 on/off base; also for fire/medical emergencies.
Driving Offenses - New Jersey has strict penalties including loss of driving privileges and/or insurance surcharges in most cases for offenses such as alcohol/drug related driving convictions, driving without insurance and speeding/moving violations in construction areas.
Please make sure you are aware of the new cell phone laws both on base and in the community. Some rules apply on Ft Dix and McGuire that don't apply to the community as well as others applying in the community but not on base. There may even be some situations that apply to McGuire but not Ft Dix. Check the motor vehicles commission website as well as contacting Security Forces for updated driving violation laws.
Restricted Areas - Flight line requires restricted area badge or authorization for POV.
Car Insurance: Individuals who reside within NJ are required to maintain the minimum coverages required by state law. Such coverage is evidenced by the New Jersey requirement that a current Automobile "Proof of Insurance Card" be kept in each licensed motor vehicle. This applies to all individuals, including military personnel and their dependents, whose automobile is "principally garaged" within the state. A military member's legal state of residence or domicile, under the Soldiers & Sailors Civil Relief Act, does not exempt the member from the insurance laws of New Jersey. Do not assume your insurance company will be willing or able to insure your automobile in NJ. Determine if your company will be able to write a policy in NJ. The "NJ Insurance Buyer's Guide" is available from insurance companies who insure drivers in New Jersey. Please request a copy. SHOP AROUND FOR AUTO INSURANCE--RATES MAY DIFFER BY SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS. It is strongly recommended that you DO NOT PURCHASE AUTO INSURANCE WITHOUT CALLING AT LEAST THREE AGENTS.
Driver's Licenses - Military members with a current out-of-state license, do not need a NJ license.
Family members working in NJ are required to have a New Jersey license. Family members registering a vehicle in NJ must have a NJ drivers license. For additional information; the New Jersey DMV has an excellent web site; including the New Jersey Driver's Manual.
Driving Age - You must be 18 years of age to operate a motor vehicle in NJ. Please check with the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles for minimum age required to obtain a learner's permit, and, for under age 18 military family members who have a valid driver's license from another state, and are driving an auto registered out-of-state. (NOTE: Most high schools in the local area offer classroom-only driver's education. Behind-the-wheel classes are available through local adult and community college education program; prices may vary, call to check costs.
Identification Required - A current driver's license from another state; if you are returning from overseas and your stateside license has expired, you must bring your ORIGINAL birth certificate, or a certified copy. If you are unable to obtain either, call the DMV and ask for other acceptable forms of identification; a passport is considered acceptable, for example; or pick up a copy of the New Jersey Driver Manual at the FSC or access the Manual on line. Military retiree and family member ID's ("dependent") are NOT considered adequate ID when applying for a NJ driver's license.
The "New Jersey Driver Manual" is available from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Services, the Family Support Center, and on line (see address and web address, in listing below) or from the McGuire AFB Family Support Center.
New Jersey Vehicle Registration (State) - Requirements are the same as Drivers License above. NJ requires registration of all vehicles except those owned by non-residents and those registered elsewhere. The Soldiers and Sailors Act allows military members, stationed in NJ, to retain vehicle registration in another state. This does NOT EXEMPT military members from the NJ state automobile insurance laws. See "Car Insurance" under Topic, "Must Know Items."
"Please be aware that it can take up to 3 hours of your time at the NJ DMV so plan ahead to get there early and give yourself enough time in your scheduled day."
New Car Registration - NJ DMV requires a copy of the original title to register a NEW car in NJ. In most cases, the bank holding the title will send it to NJ DMV, who then returns it to the bank.
The 6-point Registration System
Registration for automobiles shipped from OVERSEAS. An individual who has purchased a car from overseas to NJ needs to go to the Trenton Office. You will need additional information in order to register your vehicle.
Please consult the DMV website for the needed documentation (see address and web address, in Detail/Record listing below).
Vehicle Inspection - Required of all vehicles registered in NJ; and is good for two years. Includes emissions check.
An individual needs to have a permit or license to do about anything. Please review the information below as to what you can and can not due without a permit/license
Fishing License - Anyone 14 years of age or older must have a NJ fishing license for fishing freshwaters of the state. Licenses are readily available at most sporting goods/tackle shops throughout the state and at the refund counter at the Base Exchange. NOTE: fishing licenses MUST BE VISIBLE AT ALL TIMES WHILE FISHING; most people display them in a clear plastic card holder attached to their hat or clothing. Cost: $16.50; proof of residency required
Boat License - This is required for operating motorboats on fresh, non-tidal waters such as lakes, creeks or rivers not affected by tidal conditions. No license is required for tidal waters. Minimum age: 13 yrs old. Cost: $12 for 4-year license.
Hunting license - First time hunters in New Jersey must either provide a license or hunter education certificate from another state before a NJ hunting license will be issued. Licenses are required for all persons 10 years of age or older. NJ also requires waterfowl hunters by buy a NJ Waterfowl Stamp in addition to the Federal Duck Stamp. The POC noted above publishes a guide to NJ's wildlife areas which provides descriptions & maps of areas that specialize in deer, waterfowl, fish and other game.
Beach and State Park Passes: If you are planning to go to the "shore" you will need to pay a beach fee. You can purchase a seasonal pass for approx $125.00 if not you can pay at each visit.
FIREARMS in NJ - New Jersey has extensive gun control laws; including transporting firearms for recreational/target use. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES FOR REGULATIONS!! Machine guns may be legally possessed only with a license granted by a Superior Court Judge. The possession of operable "assault firearms" is strictly prohibited in NJ. NJ law defines an "assault firearm" as a semi-automatic rifle or shotgun with a magazine capacity exceeding 15 rounds for a rifle, or exceeding six rounds for a shotgun. To legally possess an "operable firearm" of this variety, the owner must obtain a permit to have the weapon. The permit costs $75, is good for one year, and can be obtained from a Superior Court Judge. The McGuire Legal Office should be contacted with specific questions.