ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- People who work on Arnold Air Force Base often tend to forget or don’t realize that driving on base is not considered a right but rather a privilege. As such, it should be treated accordingly. This is accomplished by obeying speed laws, obeying traffic signs and being courteous with others that share the road.
The traffic rules are spelled out in Appendix 4 to Annex C Traffic Plan of the Integrated Defense Plan, or IDP, and can be viewed by anyone working on base. Air Force Security Forces are charged with enforcing the traffic laws on base using DD Form 1408.
As opposed to civil citations, the military citation doesn’t assess fines on a violator but rather points. This applies to both military and civilian employees on base. Excessive points on one’s record could lead to the loss of driving privileges, which could be particularly troublesome if driving is a part of one’s job requirement.
According to the IDP, 12 traffic points within a 12-month period or 18 points within a 24-month period will result in suspension of driving privileges for a one-year period. Points are not normally assessed for parking violations, however, according to the IDP, three parking violations within any 180-day period will also result in a suspension of driving privileges for 30 days. If you are a military member or Federal Civil Service employee, these points will also follow you to any installation to which you may transfer.
Additionally, individuals who have been granted base driving privileges have also given implied consent to blood-alcohol and drug tests. Persons who drive on Arnold AFB shall be deemed to have consented to a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine if they are lawfully stopped, apprehended or cited for any offense allegedly committed while driving or in physical control of a motor vehicle. Local law enforcement will be notified. Individuals have also consented to the removal and temporary impoundment of their vehicle in the event it is parked illegally for an extended period or interfering with vehicle operations.
The speed limit on base is generally 35 mph, except in parking lots where 15 mph is the limit or otherwise posted. However, drivers should never operate vehicles at a greater speed than is reasonable under existing conditions. Seat belt use is the law and will be enforced. As a reminder, it is against DOD policy to operate a privately owned vehicle while using a cell phone without a hands-free device anywhere on Arnold property. Furthermore, DOD policy makes it illegal to operate a government or company owned vehicle while using a cell phone without a hands-free device at any time.
Please make Arnold a safe place by obeying the speed laws, obeying traffic signs and being courteous with others that share the road.