Traffic - The speed limit on base is 30 mph unless posted otherwise. Speed limit in base parking lots is 5 mph; speed limit in base housing is 20 mph; speed limit in base trailer court is 5 mph. The citywide speed limit is 35 mph unless otherwise posted, and the school zone speed limit is 20 mph, as it is in residential areas off base. The North Carolina Safe Roads Act forbids drivers to drink and drive alcoholic beverage. Also, motorists are required to drive with their headlights on when it is raining.
Military personnel and their dependents may register their vehicle(s) in North Carolina or may maintain their home state registration. However, should a dependent become gainfully employed in North Carolina and use his/her vehicle in that business, then the vehicle must be registered in North Carolina. Dependents home state is considered the same as the military sponsor. Seat belts must be worn while traveling in the front seat of any passenger vehicle. There is a $25.00 fine for any violation. Children under 3 must ride in a Department Of Transportation approved car seat and children between 3 and 6 must either be in car seats or wear seat belts regardless of where they sit in the car. NOTE: Effective 1 January 1995, legislature passed a law to restrict the transportation of children under age 12 in the open beds of pickup trucks, unless properly supervised.
When operating or riding a motorcycle in North Carolina, you must wear a helmet, face shield, or other eye protection and burn your headlights at all times. This also applies while operating a motorcycle on SJAFB. To register a motorcycle on SJAFB, the motorcycle must have a proper state registration and display a current safety inspection sticker. Motorcycle riders on base must have completed a motorcycle training course of instruction as a prerequisite to permanent registration. You can be scheduled by contacting the 4th Fighter Wing or 916th ARF Wing Safety Office at extension 722-2025. The course is not mandatory for those with proof of having already taken the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course at a previous base.
Vehicle Checks - All vehicles entering or leaving Seymour Johnson Air Force Base are subject to search.
Every person riding a bicycle on a street on SJAFB shall be subject to all applicable duties, responsibilities, and regulations established for motor vehicles. Bicycles shall be equipped with adequate brakes and when ridden during the hours of darkness, shall be equipped with an operative head lamp and reflector, which must be red. A handheld flashlight is acceptable for night light.
To register a vehicle on base, a military identification card, valid state driver's license, proof that the vehicle has passed a valid state inspection, proof of ownership (registration) and insurance policy or proof of compliance with North Carolina liability insurance requirements ($25,000/$50,000/$100,000) are required. Failure to maintain liability insurance on currently licensed vehicles will cause the license plate to be revoked for 60 days, unless the plate is surrendered before terminating insurance. Revocation requires owner to pay a restoration fee plus license fee. Personnel have three days to register their vehicle. If the vehicle is registered in North Carolina, proof of insurance isn't required since the state has a strong compulsory insurance law. Overseas license plates are valid for thirty days, at which time the vehicle must be registered in North Carolina or the military member's home state. Pass and registration issues restricted area badges, 0730-1500, Monday through Friday. However, the identification cards are issued at the Military Personnel Flight, Customer Service Section. Visit Contact/Links for phone numbers and additional contacts.
MISC Information:
North Carolina has enacted a new car seat safety law for children under the age of 16 when riding in the front or back seat. A properly used child restraint device (CRD) is required if the child is less than 8 years old AND weighs less than 80 pounds. Parents and other care givers will be able to comply by using belt-positioning booster seats for children between 40 and 80 pounds. The child must be within the weight range for the child restraint/booster seat and it must meet Federal standards in effect at time of manufacture. Children may be secured in a properly fitted seat belt at age 8 (regardless of weight) OR at 80 pounds (regardless of age) - whichever comes first. Note: Placing the shoulder belt under a child's (or adult's) arm or behind the back is both dangerous and illegal. The Wing Safety Office hosts a free quarterly "Seat Checks" to ensure proper installation of child seats on base or you can call the Wing Safety Office to make arrangements for a free one-on-one "Seat Check" upon your arrival. For additional information contact the Wing Safety Office at (919) 722-4218.
CLICK IT OR TICKET is the slogan of the NC Highway Patrol -- it's against the law not to use seat belts. This includes children. An infant, less than 18 to 20 pounds must ride in a protected infant seat when they face the front of the car. If the car has a passenger side air bag, the infant car seat must be in the back seat. When a child weighs 18 to 20 pounds and can sit up alone, he/she rides facing the front of the car. Do not place the shoulder belt under the arm to move it off the neck. Instead move the child toward the center of the car to get a better fit. REMEMBER: all drivers and vehicle passengers must ride buckled up.