New traffic protocol in place

  • Published
  • By By Tech Sgt. Randall Mello
  • 4th Security Forces Squadron plans and programs NCOIC
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Airmen should be aware of the new regulations in place concerning traffic violations for incidents both on and off base.

Recently, 4th Fighter Wing Commander, Col. Patrick Doherty, signed Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Instruction (SJAFBI) 31-218, Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision. SJAFBI 31-218 is the installation's traffic regulation and what the 4th Security Forces Squadron abides by when issuing out traffic tickets. There is significant new guidance contained within SJAFBI 31-218, which affects all drivers on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

While, this new instructions should be read in their entirety to understand your responsibilities and the new regulations, SJAFB drivers should also be familiar with:

a. Motor Vehicle Laws of North Carolina, which can be referenced Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937 at the following link:http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/Statutes/StatutesTOC.pl?Chapter=0020.

b. North Carolina Department of Transportation Driver's Handbook, which can be referenced at: http://www.ncdot.org/download/dmv/handbooks_ncdl_english.pdf.

The changes were required based on Department of Defense guidance. While the list of changes is extensive, here are some highlights of the changes which are now in effect:

· Any personnel arrested/charged with reckless driving on base will have their driving privileges suspended for six months. Active Duty personnel who are arrested or charged with reckless driving on-or-off base will have their on-base driving privileges suspended for six months.

· Personnel cited for three non-moving violations within any six-month period will have their base driving privileges suspended for 90 days. Accumulation of 12 traffic points within 12 consecutive months will result in suspension of 180 days. Accumulation of 18 traffic points within 18 consecutive months will result in suspension of one year.

· Exceeding the speed limit in base housing by 5-9 miles-per-hour will result in seven day suspension of base driving privileges; exceeding the speed 10-14 mph in base housing will result in 30 days suspension and exceeding the speed limit in base housing by 15 mph or more will result in 180 days suspension of base driving privileges.

· First noncompliance with restraint or safety device requirements will result in suspension of driving privileges for 30 days on-base. A second offense within 12 consecutive months will result in suspension of 180 days of driving privileges on SJAFB. A third offense within 12 consecutive months will result in suspension of one year of driving privileges on SJAFB. Noncompliance of active duty personnel with restraint or safety device requirements applies on-or-off base.

· Cell phone use while driving on SJAFB is illegal, unless a hands free device is used. First noncompliance with the policy will result in three points added to a driver's record. A second offense within 12 consecutive months will result in suspension of 30 days of driving privileges on SJAFB. A third offense in 12 consecutive months will result in suspension of 90 days of driving privileges on SJAFB.

· Failure to have proper insurance will result in suspension of one year of driving privileges on SJAFB.

In addition to these changes, there are significant changes in the requirements for operating a motorcycle on base. The 4 SFS urges all motorcycle riders to read SJAFBI 31-218, paragraphs 4.2.3. through 4.2.3.4.5. to view changes applicable to motorcycle riders.

Familiarization and compliance with the information outlined in SJAFBI 31-218 and Motor Vehicle Traffic Laws and statutes of North Carolina will safely assist  in lawfully abiding by the rules of the road.

For any questions on the guidance or for clarification, please contact the 4 SFS Police Services section at (919) 722-2554. For any questions regarding revocation of driving privileges, contact the 4 SFS security and analysis section at (919) 722-2505.