Security Forces reminds base of basic traffic rules Published Nov. 12, 2010 By Master Sgt. Jeffery Geyer 341st Security Forces Squadron Law Enforcement superintendent MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The 341st Security Forces Squadron has reported an increase in traffic and parking violations over the last several months. In an effort to curb this, drivers are reminded of some basic traffic rules. Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen stationed here should remember if a violation could result in a traffic ticket off base, it can result in a traffic ticket on base. In fiscal year 2010, installation patrolmen issued nearly 400 tickets for various traffic and parking offenses. In the first 14 days of fiscal year 2011, patrolmen issued nearly 100 tickets. Drivers should understand patrolmen not only issue Armed Forces traffic tickets but they also issue U.S. District Court violation notices that carry a monetary fine. This type of issued ticket is strictly controlled by Air Force and 341st Missile Wing directives. Armed Forces traffic tickets, which accrue points against an operator's base driving record and are reported to commands, are issued to active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve personnel on orders, and civilians operating government vehicles. The U.S. District Court violation notice is routed to the state of Montana and carries a fine as determined by the state. Unless there is a jurisdiction conflict, U.S. District Court violation notices are issued to civilians, family members of active duty, retired military personnel and their family members, and National Guard and Reserve personnel not on orders. If issued a citation by a patrolman, remember the patrolman is only doing their job. If there is a dispute, the rebuttal process for both types of tickets can be found on the reverse side of the citation. Law Enforcement patrolmen train with and are certified by both the Montana Forensic Science Division and the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. Patrolmen are permitted by the state to administer field sobriety tests and collect evidence in relation to possible DUI offenses. They are trained to use speed measuring devices, pacing techniques and observation to detect traffic violations. The wing commander has authorized security forces members engaged in law enforcement activities to stop vehicles on base to enforce both state and base traffic regulations. When stopped by a patrolman, either at a base gate or by a security forces patrol, drivers are required to produce a valid driver's license, proof of current registration and proof of insurance upon request. Failure to provide any of these documents or failure to stop for a police patrol may result in a traffic ticket or possibly the loss of driving privileges on base. Enforcing parking rules has historically resulted in a reduction of traffic accidents and limits the hazards that drivers have to deal with. To avoid a parking ticket, don't park: - within 15 feet of a dumpster or fire hydrant - within 25 feet of an intersection - within 5 feet of a parking lot entrance or exit - blocking roadways, walkways, or in such a way that you hinder traffic - in fire lanes, reserved slots, or handicap slots unless authorized - on the grass, in the dirt, or against the flow of traffic. - in a manner where your vehicle occupies more than one parking space. The safety of Malmstrom members, family members, contractors and guests is the main objective in the law enforcement spectrum. Obey the base traffic rules to help keep the base populace safe.