. Motos in the Military ..............

. Yes Sir


The following is information researched by Steve Mahl. I thought keeping it available would be a good idea since there's quite a few military bases here in California. This information might apply to all military bases in the U.S.; being a run-of-the-mill civilian, I know nothing about military regs. All I know is that it was instilled in me that I didn't want to tangle with the military police (which was a concern when I lived in San Francisco and frequently cut through the Presidio). For all I know, military police hand out roses before they write tickets. Or, on the other hand, they may have the legal right to slap you upside the head before saying a single word. If you'd like to contribute to this section, or if you have any experiences with the military police, please e-mail me.

DISCLAIMER: This is where I legally cover my butt. The information I present here is for your information only. I do not guarantee its accuracy; if you're in the military or if you're a civilian working on a military base, it's your responsibility to know the rules. Different branches of the military may have different rules and requirements.

Note from Steve Mahl: Please note that this is the "trimmed" version, and anyone considering access or employment on any Federal/DoD/Military reservation should contact the security department of that command to check for specific and/or additional (local command) policies, the DoD rules below serve only as a "minimum guideline" for all commands.

B. "MOTORCYCLE AND ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE (ATV) SAFETY"
(HSPS NUMBER 3)

Operators of privately owned motorcycles on DoD installations must be appropriately licensed to operate on public highways (except where not required by the SOFAs or local laws).

Before operation of a privately owned motorcycle on a DoD installation, each operator shall successfully complete a rider or operator safety course.

The safety course must include the following:

(1) The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) approved curriculum taught by MSF or SVIA certified or licensed instructors.

(2) Hands-on training.

(3) A performance-based and knowledge-based evaluation.

Training required by this Instruction shall be provided at no cost to military and DoD civilian personnel (including annual leave).

When operated on any DoD installation, all privately owned motorcycles must have headlights turned on always, except where prohibited.

Motorcycles shall be equipped with rear view mirrors mounted on the handlebar or fairing.

Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are, as follows:

a. The following PPE is mandatory for all persons (military and civilian) while operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle on DoD installations, and military personnel operating off installations.

(1) DOT-approved helmet properly fastened under the chin. If stationed overseas, personnel may use host-nation certified and equivalent helmets.

(2) Impact or shatter resistant goggles or full-face shield properly attached to helmet. A windshield or eye glasses alone are not proper eye protection.

(3) Sturdy footwear. Leather boots or over the ankle shoes are strongly encouraged.

(4) Long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered motorcycle gloves or mittens.

(5) A brightly colored vest or jacket worn as an outer upper garment during the day and reflective during the night. Outer upper garment shall be clearly visible and not covered.

c. Failure to wear PPE or comply with licensing or operator training requirements may be considered in making line-of-duty determinations if the injury is from such nonuse of PPE or noncompliance with requirements.
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