Fort Carson - Vehicles and Transportation

RULES OF THE ROAD

All Colorado state statutes apply to driving on Fort Carson. Additional federal regulations apply, such as mandatory helmets and reflective vests for personnel operating motorcycles on and off post.

Military traffic violators are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or the Magistrates Court depending on the offense. All civilian traffic violators are subject to the U.S. Magistrates Court.

ENTERING FORT CARSON

Fort Carson is not an open post. If you are entering in your privately-owned vehicle which has not been registered, you must enter through the Main Gate (Gate 1). All incoming soldiers and civilian personnel are required to permanently register their vehicles, including motorcycles. To enter Fort Carson, you must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance and valid photographic identification. To permanently register your vehicle, you will also have to have to pass a Colorado emissions inspection, For more information on vehicle registration, during normal duty hours please call 526-8216. After duty hours, please call the MP desk at 526-2333. Please contact your unit or vehicle registration prior to arrival as policies are subject to change.

COLORADO MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Fort Carson requires soldiers and civilians to register their vehicles on post at the Welcome and Farewell Center. However, military personnel are exempt from the requirement to have Colorado license plates within 30 days of arrival if they have valid plates from their home of record state. To obtain Colorado plates, you must have verification of your vehicles’ identification number, the title or current registration, and proof of a current Colorado emissions test. Take these items and the vehicle to the Motor Vehicle Department, 200 South Cascade in Centennial Hall or the Chapel Hills Mall behind JC Penney. The phone number for the El Paso County Motor Vehicle Department is (719) 520-6240.

NONRESIDENT AFFIDAVIT

If you are not a resident of Colorado, you may register your vehicle as a non-resident and avoid the specific ownership tax. The form is available at the Legal Assistance Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, 1st floor, Bldg. 6285 on Woodfill Road, or at any MVD office. In order to qualify, the vehicle must be registered in the soldier’s name or the soldier’s and the spouse’s name and you must have all the documents required to register the car and a military ID. The registration fee is based on the weight of your vehicle. For more information, call Legal Assistance at 526-5572.

SALES TAX ON VEHICLES

If you buy a vehicle while living in Colorado you must pay a state sales tax. The tax varies from 3 to 6.5 percent, depending on the location of your Colorado address. When you register your vehicle in Colorado, you must have the current registration, proof that you have already paid a state tax or an affidavit that the vehicle was a gift or you will pay the Colorado sales tax.

COLORADO EMISSIONS INSPECTIONS

Colorado law requires an emissions inspection for all vehicles that are in state for more than 90 days. Emissions testing is offered at the Auto Craft Center, Bldg. 2427 on Wetzel Avenue as well as various other locations throughout the local community. The Auto Craft Centers operation hours for emissions are Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday and Tuesday 8:30 to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call 526-2147 for more information.

COLORADO DRIVER’S LICENSE

You may use either a Colorado driver’s license or a license from your home state. If you wish to obtain a Colorado license, bring your valid out-of state drivers license and take an eye test. If you have lost your drivers license, the Military Police station can provide you with proof of license. You will need your name, date of birth, state where the license was issued, and license number (if possible). The military police will give you a waiver to take to the Department of Motor Vehicles in lieu of a license. Colorado Springs, M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 4420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, (719) 594-8701. Full service office, reinstatements, traffic records, motorcycle drive tests by appointment (weather permitting)

To obtain a motorcycle operators license, you must have a valid Colorado license, take the written test, and take the motorcycle driving test.

Additionally, soldiers are required to take the motorcycle safety course on post before operating a motorcycle. Call the Post Safety Office at 526-2123 or visit them in DOIM Bldg. 1550 for details.

POST TRAVEL OFFICE

Travel service on-post is provided by Carlson Wagonlit Travel. The official travel and leisure office is located in Bldg. 1012 Long St. and is open from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 576-5188 for more information.

TAXI SERVICE AND BUS LINES

Civilian taxi service is available from a variety of local companies. Fare for trips from Fort Carson to downtown Colorado Springs is approximately $10; to the airport is approximately $15. The Greyhound terminal is located at 120 South Weber Street. For fare information call the Greyhound terminal at 635-1505.