Base cops issue driving suspensions for Eglin traffic violators

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  If on-base drivers are stopped for speeding or no seatbelt, it can lead to a seven-day or more suspended driving privilege. 

It's been just over a year since the 96th Security Forces Squadron enacted the "Zero Tolerance" program suspending base driving privileges for specific traffic violations. 

Traffic violations such as cell-phone usage, speeding and no seatbelts will receive a seven-day suspension for the first violation, a 30-day suspension for a second violation and a six-month suspension for a third violation. Three points are assessed against driving records for failure to obey this policy. 

"The purpose of the Zero Tolerance policy is to protect Team Eglin drivers, passengers and pedestrians by fostering a safe environment for all to work and play," said Maj. Scott Foley, 96th SFS commander. "When an individual drives on Eglin, their attention and focus must be on safety." 

The 96 SFS has issued 709 Administrative Driving Suspensions between September 2007 and December 2008, as a result of violations occurring under the Zero Tolerance Program. The majority of the suspensions were issued for speeding and seatbelt violations. 

The suspension form is issued along with the DD Form 1408 traffic ticket. The suspension begins 10 calendar days from the date of the violation. This allows the driver to appeal the ticket/suspension. 

Security Forces will also be on the lookout for any driver ignoring any base policy on moving violations. The violations and their corresponding penalties are:

Violation                                                                                         Suspension
16 MPH or more over the speed limit.                                      30 days
Speeding in base housing 1-10 MPH over limit                     7 days
Speeding in base housing 11-20 MPH over limit                   30 days
Speeding in base housing 21 MPH over limit                         6 months
Racing                                                                                             6 months
Fleeing and/or attempted to elude police                                 6 months
Possessing, using and/or transporting                                    1 year
illegal drugs (or other intoxicating
substances, i.e. "huffing") while
operating a motor vehicle. 

Littering (may include cigarette butt)                                         7 days
from a vehicle
Failure to utilize a child restraint                                                30 days
Failure to wear a seatbelt.
1st Violation:                                                                                  7 days
2nd Violation:                                                                                30 days
3rd Violation:                                                                                 6 months
Illegally parking in a handicap space
1st Violation:                                                                                 7 days
2nd Violation:                                                                                30 days
3rd Violation:                                                                                 6 months
Using a cellular telephone without a hands-free
device while operating a motor vehicle
1st Violation:                                                                                 7 days
2nd Violation:                                                                                30 days
3rd Violation:                                                                                 6 months

"96th SFS defenders are tasked to protect the base populace and this is our number one priority," said the major.

For more information concerning Eglin's Installation Administrative Driving Suspension policy, contact the 96th SFS, Reports and Administration section at 882-2556/7264.