Base Driving Privileges

Patrolmen from the 4th Security Forces Squadron ensure compliance with base traffic laws by monitoring drivers along Wright Brothers Avenue on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 4, 2009. Whether a traffic violation is committed in the local community or on the installation, base driving privileges for Airmen can be revoked. Since January 2009, 16 Airmen have lost base driving privileges due to off-base violations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Makenzie Lang)

On-base driving is privilege, not right

Published June 10, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Marissa Tucker
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Driving on base is a privilege - not a right - that can be taken away from those who violate traffic laws or engage in other misconduct.

The 4th Fighter Wing commander can restrict or revoke base driving privileges from anyone who displays a blatant disregard for safety and authority, said Karl Burger, 4th Security Forces Squadron's reports and analysis manager.

Airmen charged with driving while intoxicated, driving recklessly, driving with a suspended license, driving without insurance, speeding in base housing, or failing to wear a seatbelt will almost always have their on-base driving privileges suspended. Suspensions typically range from one week to one year, Mr. Burger said.

Additionally, Airmen convicted of supplying alcohol to an underage person will lose on-base driving privileges for a minimum of 180 days, and Airmen charged with underage drinking will lose theirs for a minimum of 90 days.

Airmen are required to inform their squadron leadership when they are issued a ticket or arrested, Mr. Burger said. Failure to report an incident can complicate the punishment of the original offense.

The Wayne County Sheriff's Department provides the security forces squadron access to all reported traffic citations, arrests and incidents in the local area. Mr. Burger checks the database daily for violations involving Airmen. All of his findings are reported to the wing commander.

"Honesty is always the best thing, because whatever you do, it's probably going to come back to the base," he said. "We might not find out, but chances are we will, and when we do, it's going to be bad."