Motor Vehicles

It is strongly recommended not to bring a car to NAF Atsugi. This recommendation is based upon several factors:

• Import fees and the cost of converting to Japanese emission standards are high and not reimbursable.
• The roads are very narrow, most US cars/truck are too large.
• Driving is on the left side of the road.
• Vehicles are very reasonably priced in Japan. The average cost of most used cars is $800 to $3200. The average cost of most used minivans, small SUVs is $1500 (on base) to $4500+ (off base.)

With that said, it is not impossible to bring a vehicle, however prior approval must be obtained from COMNAVFORJAPAN Yokosuka (DSN: 315.243.566) to shipment. This process is quite lengthy, it is recommended to start at least 3 months prior to desired shipment date. Your local Personal Property office can provide assistance.

The minimum requirements which must be met prior to purchasing a vehicle are:

• E-4 and below must have an approved request chit to own a vehicle by their Officer-In-Charge (OIC) or Department Head.
• E-1 to E-6 twenty-six (26) years of age and younger must have completed NAF Atsugi's AWARE class (or any CAAC level program) and present a copy of the certificate of completion.
• NKO Driving for Life is required for E-1 to E-6 25 years and below.
• Must have a valid USFJ Form 4/4EJ operator's license.
• Must have a Military/Civilian/Family Member (Uniformed Services of the U.S.) Identification Card.
• Power of Attorney (POA) if not the sponsor.
• Proof of employment with/copy of PCS orders to NAF Atsugi if not listed in the command alpha roster.
• Six (6) months or more initial liability insurance on the vehicle.

NOTE: VEHICLES SHIPPED INTO JAPAN FROM THE U.S. OR FROM OTHER BASES IN JAPAN ARE DEALT WITH DIFFERENTLY. BEFORE YOU RECEIVE CUSTODY OF THE VEHICLE, PLEASE REPORT TO THE VRO FOR THE PROPER PAPERWORK AND GUIDANCE.

Vehicle Registration Office (VRO)

VRO is located in building J-196, 1st floor, across the hallway from the Driver's License Office.  VRO is responsible for vehicle registration/de-registration of SOFA military, civilian, retiree, MLC/IHA, PSC, HPT, and base contractors. They are also responsible for preparing necessary paperwork for junking, buying, selling, shipping out as well as other documents relative to vehicle processing at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  On the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, VRO is closed for training from 8:30 a.m.-10:59 a.m. and opens for business from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.  Closed Saturday, Sunday, and all American Holidays.

Telephone inquiries may be made by dialing DNS 315-243-5011/5896 or 81-46-816- 5011/5896 (International Call).

How to get an USFJ Form 4EJ operator’s permit (also called a SOFA license) for newly arriving personnel who has a valid stateside driver’s license:

Licensing

You need to attend the Local Driving Conditions Course (LDCC) and pass the written exam.

LDCC class is held every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. in classroom No. 109 at Bldg. 146. Please be on time! The class starts at 8:30 a.m., so please come to the classroom at least 15 minutes before the class starts. The class schedule might change, so please contact the licensing office 264-3974 for more information.

Please completely fill out the application form and bring it to class.

For active duty E4 and below, you must have your supervisor, E6 or above sign on block 22 of the application form.

For dependents, you must have your sponsor sign on block 22 of the application form. 2. After passing the written exam, your license will be issued when you bring the following required documentation;

PCS orders (active duty)/Letter of employment (CIV and CTR)

Valid stateside or other approved countries driver’s licenses  DoD ID card

License pick up period is 3 months from the date of taking the class and passing the written exam.

Only the applicant can pick up his or her SOFA license, because we require the individual to sign his/her license.

NAF Atsugi Licensing Office

Mon through Fri 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. / 12:30 p.m.– 4 p.m.

Closed on Saturday, Sunday and holidays

Local Driving Conditions Course (License class)

Tuesday: 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. at the Safety Classroom #109, Bldg.146

DSN:264-3794/3112

USFJ Form 4EJ Operator’s Permit (SOFA License) Requirements

Must be assigned as permanent party to NAF Atsugi: SOFA Article I active duty and their dependents and civilian component (DoD civilians, contractors and their dependents).

SOFA Article XIV contractors are NOT eligible to receive a SOFA license.

Must possess a valid (current) U.S. stateside driver’s license (other country listing. Contact licensing office for details.) prior to receiving a SOFA license.

Expired U.S. driver’s license requirements:

Active duty personnel (including dependents) contact state DMV to renew online or in the mail. Or if state allows automatic extension, contact state DMV to acquire necessary extension paperwork stating such extension.   SOFA license cannot be issued until necessary paperwork is provided to the licensing office. DoD civilians must contact state DMV for any available overseas extensions. SOFA license cannot be issued until necessary paperwork is provided to the licensing office.

Class Exam

First come, first served (Max 51 people)

No children and animals allowed in the class room.

BE ON TIME

If you fail the exam, you need to wait 1 week to retake the exam.

A 2^nd failure requires an additional one week to re-take the class and the exam again.

License Issuance

you when you pass the exam if you bring...

Required documents:

Orders (AD) / LOE or LOA (CIV/CNT)

(Included proof of SOFA “Article I” status)

VALID U.S. or other approved country driver’s licenses

DOD ID Card

Also upon full completion of AOB and ICR

SOFA License Transfer

If you are transferring from other bases in Japan (Okinawa, Sasebo, Iwakuni, Yokosuka, Zama, Yokota, Fuji, and Misawa…), we can convert your SOFA license to Atsugi, so please come to our office with

Current SOFA license

Orders (AD) / LOE (CIV and CTR)(Included proof of SOFA “Article I” status)

VALID U.S. or other approved country driver’s licenses

DoD ID

Upon PCS transfer within Japan, the USFJ Form 4 EJ Operators Permit shall be renewed at the license servicing office of the new host command within 30 days of check in.

COMNAVREGJAPANINST 5800 . 9S

Motorcycle Rider Program

As per regional policy, experienced riders with current state endorsements must attend BRC-2 training in Japan to get a motorcycle endorsement on their SOFA licenses.

MSF courses at Yokohama North Dock are currently not available. Please check out the latest class information on ESAMS.If you want to take either BRC-1 (basic rider course) or BRC-2 (advanced rider course), you can take the course at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo.

Traffic Enforcement

NAFA NSF personnel utilizes mobile patrol units to enforce traffic laws

NAFA Security Dept. utilizes the DD Form 1408 for traffic citations.

Utilizes a “Points System” with no monetary value

12 points / calendar year

Once accumulated, license could be Suspended/Revoked

All cases can be reviewed by the Traffic Court Magistrate

Example 1; Driving while using a cell phone = 4pts

Example 2; Failure to obey a stop sign = 2pts

Example 3; Illegal Parking = 2pts

SPEED LIMIT IN HOUSING IS 25 KPH!
SPEED LIMIT IN THE SCHOOL ZONE IS 15 KPH!

Off Base Japanese police use several enforcement methods from Camera Systems, to motorized and non-motorized patrols.  Bottom line: Obey all traffic laws!

Almost all traffic violations involve a fine.

A parking ticket can cost up to $150 plus towing fees. DO NOT park at convenience stores off base and leave the area.

Tickets issued from off base (even through camera systems) are forwarded to your command through the base traffic court magistrate; and can take time. An unpaid traffic ticket WILL effect PCS movements.

Under the revised Japanese Road Traffic Law:

Cyclists who don’t keep to the left-hand side of the road with flow of traffic may face a fine of up to ¥20,000 (est. $180)

Cyclists will still be allowed to ride in either direction on sidewalks that permit cyclists.

On base Cyclists are expected to follow all laws as a motorized vehicle would. (Obey stop signs, speed limits, etc…)

Traffic Accidents

Call Security Dispatch @ 0467-63-3200  as soon as possible

DO NOT leave the scene unless directed by Naval Security Force’s personnel. Take photographs of all vehicles involved, any damages and of the scene.

If the accident occurs off base Naval Security Force’s personnel and a translator will respond for assistance (may vary with PHE).  DO comply with all Host Nation Police requests, but DO NOT sign ANYTHING you do not understand or you are signing a “Blank Check”!

Parking Certificate:

This is a very important requirement. Buyer must complete a verification of residency form (available in VRO). If you live in base housing, off-base, or temporarily in the Navy Lodge, the Base Housing Office will sign your form. If you live in the CBQ Combined Bachelor Quarters, the VRO will verify your residency with the CBQ manager. Verification of residency form is used to obtain the Japanese Parking Certificate, which is required by Japanese Law to park a vehicle at an off-base residence.

"Proof of having a designated parking space and Japanese Parking Certificate, is required. Vehicle owners must maintain a legal parking space for each vehicle. Personnel must show proof of having a designated parking space PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE of a privately owned motor vehicle."

Those who live off base must have a Japanese Parking Certificate issued by the Police Department of the area in which they live. VRO and Atsugi Housing Welcome Center can assist in obtaining the Japanese Parking Certificate.

Other information about the Japanese Parking Certificate:

1. If you move to a new residence off base you are required to get a new JPC.
2. If you buy an additional vehicle you are required to get a new JPC.
3. If you replace your present vehicle you are required to get a new JPC.

The entire process normally takes 3 to 7 days. The vehicle can not be registered until this is done. Temporary Plates will be issued in 5-day increments until the JPC is complete. Atsugi Pass and ID will issue a vehicle pass for the duration of the Temp Plate. If the Temp Plate expires, personnel CANNOT legally drive the vehicle and VRO/Pass & ID will not issue a vehicle pass. Those caught driving on-base with expired Temp Plates will be ticketed and the car impounded. Additional action may include loss of driving privileges. Those caught off-base driving with expired Temp Plates will be at the discretion of the Japanese authorities. The Japanese Police may issue a fine, apprehend the driver, impound the car or all of the fore mentioned.

IMPORTANT NOTE: EVERY PERSON REGISTERING A VEHICLE MUST GET THE BASE HOUSING STAMP ON THE JPC FORM REGARDLESS IF THEY LIVE ON-BASE OR OFF-BASE.

Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.