Motor Vehicles

Bicycles are a very popular form of transportation in Japan. The following are required for every bicycle rider: A white light mounted on the front (visible for 500 feet for night riding) and red light mounted on the back, and both rear and side reflectors. Riders must wear light colored clothing at all times. During reduced visibility/nighttime reflective clothing is required. CPSC, ASTM, ANSI, or Snell Memorial Foundation approved bicycle helmets are mandatory for all SOFA sponsored personnel who ride bicycles.

All rules of the road which apply to motor vehicles also apply to bicycles, skates and skateboards.

Wearing portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices while operating a motor vehicle or while jogging, walking, bicycling, skating or skateboarding on the roads and streets of FLEACT Yokosuka is prohibited.

Vehicle Allowances based on Rank

Currently, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka authorizes E-5 and above (or Civilian equivalent) one vehicle per licensed driver (max of two vehicles). Single E-4 and below are not authorized to have a POV; however, E-4 and below with family members may request to register a vehicle on a case-by-case basis through Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka.

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

The U.S. Forces Japan Operator's Permit USFJ Form 4EJ requirements are as follows:

• Applicants must possess a valid and current driver's license issued by any U.S. state, territory of the United States, or by the District of Columbia.
• Or a valid and current international driver's permit (IDP)
• Or a valid and current Government of Japan driver's license
• A valid and current driver's license issued by a country specified in USFJ Instruction 31-205
• Certificate of Completion from a formal driving course

Valid and current operator's permit is one that is not expired.

Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka now offers a Driving Course:

• Open to all SOFA members
• 39 hours of classroom instruction
• Cost $300.00 (subject to change) payable to Yokosuka MWR

The Traffic Safety Brief is mandatory for all personnel desiring to obtain the U.S. Forces Japan Operator's Permit USFJ Form 4EJ. Attendance at the weekly Area Orientation Brief/Intercultural Relations (AOB/ICR) program presented by the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) is prerequisite to attending the Traffic Safety Brief, which is conducted by the COMFLEACT Safety Office. Your Sponsor can sign you up for the AOB/ICR class by calling FFSC at DSN 315-243-3372, internationally at 011-81-46-816-3372 or email FFSCinfo@us.navy.mil to sign up for AOB/ICR class.

To drive any vehicle private or Government owned in Japan, you must be properly licensed. U.S. Forces Japan requires that specific qualification and testing requirements be satisfied before installation commanders may issue these licenses.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

Registration procedures vary and will be explained in detail by registration personnel after reviewing vehicle ownership papers. In brief, the following minimum requirements must be met to register a vehicle (purchased locally after arrival):

(1) The buyer must have:

• a valid U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) Operator's Permit Form 4EJ (SOFA) driver's license
• liability insurance in his/her own name, for a minimum period of 12 months. Minimum coverage limits have been set at 30 million yen for bodily injury and 3 million yen for property damage. Cost of liability insurance varies between agents and may be affected by other personal criteria.
• Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI). The cost is based on the size of the vehicle. Insurance can be transferred between owners, but the transaction must be officially processed to be valid.
• For E-4 and below, if married, Commanding Officer's permission to own and register the vehicle. The proper form is available at the Vehicle Registration Office.

(2) The following must be up-to-date and in effect at the time of registration transfer from seller to buyer:

• Road Tax for the current year (Road Tax is paid annually and is based on the size of the vehicle's engine).
• Japanese inspection card.
• A current NEX Autoport vehicle safety inspection (every two years).

There is additional paperwork which must be completed at the Yokohama Land Transportation Office (LTO). The new owner can do this, or he/she can hire someone locally to make the LTO run.

Seat belts must be worn by operators and passengers. All children under age four and weighing less than 40 pounds must use a U.S. Department of Transportation approved infant or child safety seat in a proper manner while riding in a Navy or private motor vehicle.

"None For the Road" is the motto we abide by on Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Drinking and driving is not tolerated. Breath wand sobriety checks are conducted at random throughout the base. Consequences for Driving Under the Influence, Driving While Intoxicated and/or Driving While Drinking is Indicated can include vehicle impoundment, points assessed against the driving record, suspension of driving privileges, required completion of prevent, large fines, Driver Improvement Program training and possible loss of Status of Forces Agreement Sponsorship. Appearance at Traffic Court is required for any citation.

Contact Driver's License Office DSN 315-243-9089, internationally at 011-81-46-816-9089 or email license@us.navy.mil for more information regarding Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka motor vehicle and driver's licenses questions.

Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmets and motorcycle riding attire (including reflective vests) must be worn by all operators of motorcycles, motor scooters and mopeds on board Fleet Activities Yokosuka. This requirement applies to SOFA sponsored U.S. Forces Japan personnel at all times.

The CFAY Safety Department offers the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic, Experienced, and Military Sport Rider Courses. These courses are mandatory in order to become properly licensed while riding in Japan. Rider coaches are volunteers for the community and offer their knowledge of riding and the special conditions that are encountered while in Japan. Call 243-7354/2471 for more information on motorcycle training or follow the link and scroll down to Motorcycle Safety Information to learn how to register.

The MWR car lot is located on-base near the Commissary. The price range for vehicles is typically from $500-$5,000 and vehicles tend to be about on average 5-10 years old. There are also numerous off-base used car lots and junk yards (they are different from U.S. junkyards). Before purchasing a vehicle, please review the CFAY policies regarding the numbers of vehicles that are allowed per household.