Traffic Supervision Instruction updated Published July 27, 2009 By Charles McKaughan 95th Security Forces Squadron EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Edwards unveiled the newest version of the Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision instruction July 7. This compliance oriented instruction supersedes Edwards Air Force Base Instruction 31-28 which was last changed in May 2005. Edwards has both concurrent and exclusive federal jurisdiction, meaning that state traffic codes are applicable to base driving records. This substantially rewritten instruction clarifies and incorporates new state laws and federal mandates as well as clarifying text from the superseded instruction. The instruction applies to all organizations on base, to include government-owned, contractor-operated vehicles and contractor personnel. The area of enforcement extends from the base proper but also to the outlying roads on the southeast side of the installation. Quite often, civilians and military alike use these roads as a shortcut when driving to places north. Security Forces personnel will issue an immediate suspension of base driving privileges for serious incidents such as reckless driving, vehicle accidents caused by gross negligence with severe injuries or fatalities, or driving 30 MPH over the posted speed limit. The individual will have 8 hours from receipt of the letter to secure his or her vehicle and discontinue driving on the installation. Security Forces personnel attend National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approved certification courses for radar use and standardized field sobriety test administration. The certification bolsters their expertise when appearing before the U.S. Magistrate. Another change in the new instruction is a speeding violation that exceeds the posted speed limit by 16 MPH may result in an automatic suspension or revocation of base driving privileges. The suspension or revocation does not include the bail due to the Federal Magistrate. Speeding citations commonly cost between $146.00 and $380.00. Motor vehicle registration procedures have changed at the state level and every motorized vehicle on Edwards AFB must have a valid registration and proof of financial responsibility (insurance). The bail amount for failure to present a valid insurance document can be as much as $740.00. Several pages of the instruction apply to the operation of motorcycles and off-road vehicles, safety requirements and general rules. During daylight hours all operators must wear a bright visible outer garment. Motorcycle passengers are required to comply with the same safety requirements as the operator. This updated Traffic Supervision Instruction is the installation commander's reminder to drive safely and obey the laws of the road while on Edwards. For more information, call 277-2642.