Motor Vehicles

Driving can be a challenging experience for newcomers and visitors who are not used to driving on the left side of the road. Additional challenges exist in the different signage and very narrow off-base roads. There are many resources to help you safely transition to driving in this environment. After you go through the appropriate training and obtain a SOFA license, one suggestion is to practice driving on base where the roads are wider and signage is less complex for a few days before venturing off base.

Follow this link  for driver's training information.

The following are a few of the characteristics of driving in Japan:

On and off base traffic moves on the left-hand side of the road.

All speed limits are marked in kilometers per hour.

The maximum speed limits (unless otherwise posted) are:

• 40KPH on base
• 60KPH off base, except for expressways
• 100KPH on expressways

Most traffic signs conform to international standards (visual aids are available with the most common Japanese traffic signs).

Left turns on red are not allowed unless a sign is posted. Roadside parking is very restricted.

The slow lane is on the left and the fast (passing) lane is on the right, although with the amount of traffic here, there usually isn't a significant difference between the two.

Japanese law considers all licensed drivers professionals. This means they are expected to take complete responsibility for any accidents they or their vehicles cause. In addition to this, “fault” is often divided among drivers involved, so drivers will often assume some responsibility for mishaps they are involved in, even if they think they are not at fault.

INFO: Expressway tolls can be a significant expense for long-distance trips.

When buying a vehicle in Japan, you will be required to obtain insurance before the sale of the vehicle is final. You will then register the vehicle for Yokota with Pass and Registration (Bldg. 993). Pass and Registration can be reached at DSN 315-225-8333.

Seat belts

DOD Instructions require all active duty military, DOD civilians and all dependents operating or riding in private motor vehicles ON or OFF DOD installations, while in Japan to wear seat belts. Seat belts will be installed and in use whenever a vehicle is being operated.

Infants and small children have relatively heavy heads and fragile skulls and are likely to suffer serious head injuries even in low speed crashes. Children five years old or under and not exceeding 50 pounds in weight must be secured in a Department of Transportation approved child safety seat. Children not in the above category must be secured in standard safety belts Shoulder belts are not recommended if the child is less than 55 inches tall Children 11 years of age or younger or shorter than 150 centimeters (4 feet, 11 inches) are required to sit in the back seat using restraint equipment suitable for the child and approved by DoT.

Cell Phones

Studies and investigations have shown many accidents have been attributed to drivers talking on cell phones while operating their vehicle. It is illegal to use a hand-held portable or cellular phone without the use of a hands free device while operating a vehicle. The only exception to this rule is in the event of an emergency to call the authorities. In the case of an emergency, vehicle operators should exit off the road as soon as possible.

School and Shuttle Buses

On base, when approaching a bus from the front or rear while it is loading or unloading passengers, vehicle operators must stop 6 meters (20 feet) in front or behind the bus.

Rail Road Crossings

On the west side of the base there is an active railroad crossing; when approaching this or any railroad crossing in Japan, all vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians must come to a complete stop and look both ways prior to crossing.

Runway Overrun Areas

Yokota AB, runway overrun areas are controlled with traffic lights The lights are located at eye level. Yellow lights indicate proceed with caution and red lights with a warning bell indicates stop at the painted stop line. Park at the stop line whenever a power outage or light malfunction occurs and pick up the telephone in the call box and inform the Tower Controller of the situation. The 374 SFS will manually guide traffic during the outage or malfunction. Instruction signs are posted in English and Japanese. Always yield to arriving and departing aircraft. Note: Fuel trucks and buses traverse Perimeter road. The trucks and buses also cross Perimeter Road from the Fuel Yard. You are required by Yokota law to give the "Right of Way" to these vehicles merging onto or off of Perimeter Road. This particular stretch of road is designated as "No Passing." Always be prepared to reduce your speed or stop along this roadway.

Two Car Maximum

The "Two Car Maximum Rule" is in force while stationed at Yokota AB This rule is one four-wheel vehicle registered per licensed driver, maximum of two four wheeled vehicles per household. Motorcycles do not count against your vehicle limit. Waivers to this policy are accepted for cause. For more information, please contact the 374 SFS Pass & Registration office at DSN 315-225-8333.

Motorcycle Training

Specialized training is required to operate a motorcycle in Japan and at Yokota AB. Personnel desiring a USFJ License to ride a motorcycle on or off base must contact the 374 AW Safety Office prior to operating or registering a motorcycle Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses are offered through the Yokota Safety Office. Contact 374 AW/SE at 315-225-7233 for further details.

Criminal Offenses

Report immediately to 374 SFS.

Restricted Areas

Yokota Air Base has restricted areas that are plainly marked so please adhere to all restriction signs.

Bicycle Registration

Registering your bicycle with Security Forces is a quick and easy way to help take a bite out of crime. If your bicycle or the bicycle of a family member is stolen, having the bike registered in our database is the best and fastest way that we can identify to whom the bike belongs. Contact the 374 SFS Pass & Registration office in Bldg. 993 to register your bicycle or call 315-225-8333 for more information.

To obtain a license to operate a vehicle on or off base, you must have a current/valid stateside driver's license or an international driver's license. The minimum age to operate a motor vehicle on base is 16. It is possible to obtain a permit for a youth (at least 16) after taking the “Driving in Japan” training offered at the Taiyo Community Center. After turning 18 or graduating High School, youths can drive off base. Contact 374 SFS for the latest information on licensing policies and restrictions.

Currently, 374 AW Safety conducts the Local Conditions driving class on Thursday's at the A&FRC. In order to begin driving as soon as possible, contact Pass & Registration at 225-8333 to register for the driver's test before Tuesday of the week you would like to test. Registration is required to attend the driver's test. Occasionally, the driver's test is adjusted due to major holidays and wing activities, so be sure to verify the schedule with Pass & Registration.

The 374th Airlift Wing's Driving in Japan/Local Conditions Orientation booklet is available online; please familiarize yourself with the material before the test. Contact 374 AW/SE at 011-81-3117-55-7233 or DSN 315-225-7233 for further details.

Unlicensed Drivers

Personnel who have never been licensed to drive must complete a certified driver's education course (held at the Taiyo) at a cost of approximately $400. They must obtain their permanent driver's license within 90 days of the Local Condition class on Thursday. It is recommended that a license be obtained before coming to Japan to avoid the high cost.

It should be noted that teenaged drivers (anyone under the age of 18) may not drive off base- even if they reside off base.

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.

The use of cell phones while driving on or off Yokota AB is prohibited. Hands-free devices must be used when talking on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle on all military installations worldwide.

Quality used cars and motorcycles are plentiful and inexpensive on and around Yokota. Your sponsor can assist you with finding and purchasing a vehicle. Most residents will only put a few thousand miles on their vehicles every year, as it is usually much easier and/or cheaper to take the train or rent a U-drive-it van (which includes payment of all tolls) for long distance trips. Brochures with this information can be found in the Yujo Community Center and at the Vehicle Operations office .