OKINAWA, Japan - The Japanese Traffic Regulations handbook for Status of Forces Agreement drivers states that driving on Okinawa is a privilege. Those who wish to obtain a personally-owned vehicle SOFA license, officially known as a U.S. Forces Japan operator’s permit, or USFJ 4EJ drivers permit, must understand the rules of the road and license requirements for driving on Okinawa.
In 2011, the Provost Marshal’s Office saw a rise in SOFA drivers operating vehicles without licenses or with expired licenses. In order to eliminate these incidents in 2012, it is imperative that SOFA drivers understand how to acquire a license, renew expired licenses, and who to contact if there are any questions or issues.
“To obtain a SOFA license, the first thing a person needs to do is read the Japanese drivers handbook,” said Sgt. Vasili J. Tsovilis, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of traffic court, Provost Marshal’s Office. “Many things are different about driving on Okinawa compared to back in the U.S., including different signs and signals, and driving on the opposite side of the road.”
The requirements to obtain a USFJ operator’s permit for a civilian vehicle, serviced by Marine Corps Base Camp Butler’s Installation Safety Office, varies by individual.
All active-duty personnel E-5 and below are required to have their commanding officer’s signature on the application for a drivers permit.
Family members of active-duty service members and DOD civilians must have their sponsor’s signature on their permit to receive approval.
Other basic requirements for all personal attempting to obtain a SOFA license include a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state or territory, a foreign country driver’s license recognized in the U.S. Forces Japan Instruction 31-205, or completion of an accredited driving school aboard a U.S military installation in Japan.
Additionally, service members must have government orders for residing in Japan and DOD civilians, who are not also military dependents, must have a certificate of employment. Contractors employed in support of the DOD are required to obtain a SOFA letter from the Staff Judge Advocate’s office or branch equivalent legal office.
Once those documents are acquired, personnel must pass a written-license exam with a score of 80 percent or higher, according to Shawn M. Curtis, deputy safety director, MCB Camp Butler Installation Safety Office.
When a SOFA license is obtained, Japan considers you a professional driver. To maintain this professionalism, it is important to have licenses up-to-date and in the driver’s possession at all times when operating a vehicle.
The consequence for driving without a valid SOFA license is a mandatory six-month suspension on all military installations, including the entire area and roadways for Okinawa, as well as a citation from military police, according to Staff Sgt. Collinger Daughtry, operations supervisor for the Marine Corps Installations Pacific Base Safety Office. A second violation for driving without a SOFA license subjects a person’s license to being revoked for one year.
If someone is driving with an expired SOFA license, the same rules apply as if they were driving without ever obtaining a SOFA license, according to Tsovilis.
If you possess a SOFA license and are caught driving without it, your driving privileges could be impacted. On first offense, drivers will be issued a warning. On the second offense, drivers’ privileges could be suspended from 15 to 90 days. Licenses’ expiration dates are located on the front of the license near the middle area, according to Curtis.
For any questions concerning license renewal, expiration, consequences or requirements, contact Base Safety at 645-7219/3183. If there are any questions regarding citations, points assessed from citations, traffic court appointments, suspensions or revocations, contact the Traffic Court Division at 645-2879.