POV base entry requirements

  • Published
  • By Capt. Sean Gibbs
  • 49th Security Forces Squadron
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Every day each one of us gets into our privately owned vehicle, drives to work, and really doesn't think much about the paperwork required to be in our vehicles. The truth of the matter is, driving on a military installation is a privilege, not a right, and all credentials must be up-to-date and valid to gain entry.

Air Force Instruction 31-204, Air Force Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, paragraph 3.2, outlines specific responsibilities for all drivers: all operators of POVs on an Air Force installation must possess a valid driver's license, state registration and proof of insurance with the minimum requirements of the automobile insurance laws or regulations of the state. The minimum insurance requirement for the state of New Mexico is $25,000 for death or injury of any one person or any one incident; $50,000 for all persons in any one accident; and $10,000 for any one accident.

Even though the requirements are known and clearly stated in the AFI, some wingmen find it difficult to adhere to these basic guidelines. On Dec. 5, 23 vehicles were randomly screened prior to entering the base. Ten of those randomly screened vehicles had discrepancies to include no proof of insurance or registration and two didn't possess a driver's license.

In addition, last week, the 49th Fighter Wing quick reaction force established a tactical checkpoint on 49er Avenue adjacent to the softball fields. During this checkpoint, eight fellow Airmen were discovered to be in direct violation of the requirements listed above. One Airman, in particular, had no insurance, driver's license nor registration.

All personnel found in violation of this policy could be cited and lose points toward their military driving record, lose their on-base driving privileges and have possible administrative action by their unit commander.

We ask all personnel operating a POV, whether on or off base, to have a valid driver's license and valid insurance. Remember, New Mexico registration must be signed by the POV's owner to be valid. Drivers have been cited downtown for $50 to $100 just on this discrepancy alone.

Your safety and security is the 49th Security Forces Squadron's number one concern.

Please direct specific questions or concerns to Master Sgt. Allen Gilmore at 575-572-5754 or Tech. Sgt. Rodney Cochran at 575-572-4309.