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All state and federal regulations about cellphones, texting, seat-belt use, motorcycle safety, vehicle operations, driver's licenses, etc., apply at Fort McCoy. In some cases, federal regulations are more restrictive than state or local laws.
A summary of the regulations follow. Specific questions should be directed to the Directorate of Emergency Services at 608-388-2200.
Entrance
• Visitor passes are issued from the Visitor Control Center (VCC) to people who do not have valid military ID cards or Common Access Cards. Each adult occupant of a vehicle must have a valid photo ID and will be cleared through National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III). The VCC is open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, excluding federal holidays. After regular operation hours, visitors can be issued a pass at the Main Gate as well as Gate 20.
Identification check• Fort McCoy is fully compliant with the federally mandated REAL ID Act as set by the Department of Homeland Security. The REAL ID Act prohibits Federal agencies from accepting a driver's license or identification cards from noncompliant states. Any visitor with a driver's license requesting entry to the installation from a noncompliant state will be denied unescorted access unless they are in possession of one or more of the alternate approved documents. For further information, please refer to www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs.
• Commercial and tactical vehicles are required to use Gate 20.
• All tactical-vehicle operators must possess a valid military operator's permit (DA FORM 5984-E or equivalent) with the type of vehicle being operated annotated. The operator also must have a current and valid dispatch for the vehicle being operated.
• People and vehicles are subject to search upon entering and while on military property. Unauthorized entry is punishable by Paragraph 18 U.S. Code 1382.
• All motorists entering or operating a motor vehicle at Fort McCoy must be prepared to show proof of vehicle insurance, driver's license, and vehicle registration when requesting visitor passes or when asked to show such documentation by law-enforcement personnel.
Accidents
• All accidents occurring on Fort McCoy must be reported to the Fort McCoy Directorate of Emergency Services Police Division as soon as possible. To report an accident, please call 608-388-2266.
Speed limits
• Paved roads within the cantonment area: 30 mph unless posted otherwise.
• Range roads, training area roads, and tank trails: 30 mph unless posted otherwise.
• Passing personnel in formation: 10 mph. (NOTE: Any group of troops has the right-of-way over all vehicular traffic on all roads on the installation.)
• Pine View Campground: 10 mph or as posted.
• Family housing areas: 15 mph.
• Parking lots: 5 mph.
Cellphones
• Vehicle operators shall not use cellphones when the vehicle is moving, unless using a hands-free device (voice only, not texting).
• Drivers needing to use their cellphones are encouraged to pull into a legal parking spot or to the side of the road.
• Use/wear of any portable headphones, earphones, or listening devices, other than for hands-free cellular devices while operating a motor vehicle, is prohibited.
Seat belts
• Seat belts are required for drivers and all passengers in vehicles at Fort McCoy. This is a primary-enforcement law in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
• Children who are vehicle passengers weighing 40 pounds or less must be restrained by an approved child-safety seat.
Motorcycles
• All operators must be properly licensed.
• Prior to operating any motorcycle, Soldiers will successfully complete an appropriate Motorcycle Safety Foundation-based Basic Riders Course (BRC). Based on the type of motorcycle(s) owned and operated, Soldiers must complete either the Experienced Riders Course or the Military Sport Bike Riders Course within 12 months of completing the BRC.
• Motorcycles must have headlights turned on at all times.
• Motorcycles must have rear-view mirrors mounted on both the left and right of the handlebar.
• Operators and passengers must wear required clothing and safety equipment. This includes an approved helmet which meets Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; eye protection that is American National Standards Institute Z87.1 impact-resistant; sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles (durable leather or ballistic-type cloth athletic shoes that cover the ankles may be worn); long-sleeved shirt or jacket; long trousers; and full-fingered gloves or mittens made from leather or other abrasion-resistant material.
Motorcycle jackets and pants constructed of abrasion-resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar®, or Cordura® and containing impact-absorbing padding are strongly encouraged. Riders are encouraged to select personal protective equipment that incorporates fluorescent colors and retro-reflective material.
Bicycles
• Riders must wear approved bicycle helmets that meet safety performance standards established by the American National Standards Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation for Bicycle Helmets.
• A reflective upper-outer garment is highly recommended, especially during periods of limited visibility. The reflective physical training belt may be worn in lieu of a reflective upper garment.
• Wearing/using headphones, earphones, or other listening devices, other than those for hands-free cellular devices, while riding bicycles is prohibited.
Parking
• In marked parking lots, vehicles may not be parked straddling any white line(s).
• Vehicles may not block vehicle traffic movement into or through parking lots.
• Parking on grass or lawns is prohibited unless otherwise posted.
• Parking on road shoulders is prohibited unless otherwise posted. Exceptions are cellphone usage; loading or unloading passengers or equipment (15-minute limit); or mechanical failure, in which case the hood of the vehicle should be raised to indicate mechanical problems.
Pedestrian traffic
• Pedestrians generally have the right of way at controlled or marked crosswalks or intersections. At all other locations, pedestrians are required to yield right of way to all vehicular traffic. Fort McCoy follows Wisconsin law.
• Pedestrians shall walk on sidewalks where available. Pedestrians are required to walk facing traffic if walking on roadways.
• Use/wear of any portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices while walking or running is authorized only on the half-mile track, which is located along O Street and East Eaton Road.
Recreational vehicles
• Privately owned all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), three- or four-wheeled vehicles, are not authorized for use on the installation.
• Snowmobiles are authorized for use only on designated, open, state snowmobile trails.
(Source: Regulation 190-5 Installation Access Control and Traffic Code) |
