Introduction

In August 2026, a Bangladeshi national working as a temporary employee in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, was arrested on suspicion of driving without a license. While this incident may appear to be a simple traffic violation at first glance, it raises critical issues directly related to residency status management and corporate compliance for foreign nationals residing in Japan and the companies that employ them.

This article examines this case in detail, explaining the procedures foreign nationals must follow to drive legally in Japan, how unlicensed driving affects residency status, and the measures companies should implement.

Overview of the Case

The Iga Police Station of the Mie Prefectural Police arrested a male temporary employee residing in Iga City on suspicion of violating the Road Traffic Act (unlicensed driving). The individual was stopped for questioning by a police officer while riding a motorized bicycle on a prefectural road, and no record could be confirmed that he had obtained a driver’s license in Japan.

Although the individual denied the charges, stating “I have a license,” this may indicate confusion between possessing a license from his home country and having the legal authorization to drive in Japan.

Three Ways to Drive Legally in Japan

1. Obtain a Japanese Driver’s License

The most reliable method is to pass the Japanese driver’s license examination and obtain a new license. This requires passing both a written knowledge test and a practical driving test. While this process requires time and financial investment, it is the recommended approach for those planning to reside in Japan long-term.

2. Convert a Foreign Driver’s License (Foreign License Conversion)

This system allows individuals to convert a driver’s license obtained in their home country to a Japanese license. However, not all countries are eligible, and the screening process has been significantly tightened since October 2024.

Major Changes:

  • Short-term visitors such as tourists are no longer eligible
  • Knowledge confirmation test increased from 10 to 50 questions
  • Stricter proof of actual driving experience in home country required

Even for eligible countries, detailed requirements exist, including proof of actual driving experience and possession of a certificate of residence.

3. Use an International Driving Permit

Individuals holding an International Driving Permit based on the Geneva Convention may drive in Japan, subject to the following restrictions:

  • Valid for only one year from the date of entry into Japan
  • Cannot be used for stays exceeding one year
  • Even if you leave and re-enter Japan, the permit becomes invalid if you are deemed to have continuously resided in Japan

Serious Impact of Unlicensed Driving on Residency Status

Criminal Penalties for Unlicensed Driving

Unlicensed driving constitutes a violation of the Road Traffic Act and carries the following criminal penalties:

  • Imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen

This is not merely an administrative penalty—it is a criminal offense that results in a criminal record.

Impact on Residency Status

Criminal prosecution affects the “good conduct requirement” in applications to renew or change residency status:

1. Risk at Residency Status Renewal

  • May be judged as demonstrating poor conduct, resulting in denial of renewal
  • Even if renewal is granted, the period of stay may be shortened

2. Impact on Permanent Residency Applications

  • Violates the requirement of “good conduct” for permanent residency
  • May prevent application or result in denial

3. Risk of Residency Status Revocation

  • May result in revocation of residency status as a serious legal violation
  • Risk increases particularly in cases of repeat offenses

4. Impact on Future Residency Status Changes

  • Adverse effects on future applications, such as changing from a work visa to a spouse visa

Corporate Risks and Responsibilities

Unlicensed driving by foreign employees also poses significant risks for employing companies.

Potential Corporate Liabilities

1. Employer Liability
If an unlicensed driving accident occurs during work, the company may bear liability for damages.

2. Violation of Duty of Care
Failure to verify employee licenses may be judged as a violation of the duty of care.

3. Deficiencies in Foreign Employee Management
May be subject to administrative guidance for failing to implement appropriate employment management.

4. Corporate Reputation Damage
Risk of losing social credibility as a compliance violation.

Specific Measures Companies Should Implement

Items to Verify at Hiring:

  • Verify original driver’s license (copies alone are insufficient)
  • Confirm license type and expiration date
  • For foreign licenses, confirm completion of conversion procedures
  • For international permits, verify issuance date and Japan entry date

Ongoing Management:

  • Create a management ledger for license renewal dates
  • Support conversion from foreign to Japanese licenses
  • Conduct periodic license verification
  • Consider implementing license acquisition support programs

Internal Training:

  • Training on Japanese traffic regulations
  • Education for proper understanding of license systems
  • Thorough awareness of unlicensed driving risks

Common Misconceptions Among Foreign Nationals

Misconception 1: “I can drive in Japan with my home country license”

Reality: You cannot drive in Japan with only your home country license. Foreign license conversion or an international permit is required.

Misconception 2: “I can drive indefinitely with an international permit”

Reality: International permits are valid for only one year from entry into Japan. They cannot be used beyond that period.

Misconception 3: “Motorcycles don’t require a license”

Reality: All vehicles, including motorized bicycles, require a license. Unlicensed driving is a criminal offense.

Misconception 4: “It’s not a problem if I don’t get caught”

Reality: Unlicensed driving is discovered through police questioning, accidents, and traffic violations, with serious consequences for residency status.

Background of Recent Foreign License Conversion Tightening

The significant tightening of the foreign license conversion system since October 2024 stems from an increase in traffic accidents involving foreign drivers.

Key Points of Tightening:

  1. Tourists Without Residence Registration Excluded
  • Prevents abuse of the system by short-term visitors
  1. Significant Expansion of Knowledge Confirmation Test
  • Increased from 10 to 50 questions
  • Requires more detailed understanding of traffic rules
  1. Strict Proof of Driving Experience
  • Proof of actual driving experience in home country required
  • Enhanced verification of document authenticity

Due to this tightening, the pass rate for foreign license conversion has declined significantly, making it more difficult to obtain a Japanese license than before.

Understanding the “Good Conduct Requirement” in Residency Status Applications

“Demonstrating good conduct” is an important examination criterion in applications to renew or change residency status, or to apply for permanent residency.

Actions Judged as Poor Conduct:

  • Criminal convictions (including suspended sentences)
  • Repeated traffic violations
  • Unpaid taxes or pension contributions
  • Immigration law violations

Unlicensed driving, as a criminal offense, is clearly judged as grounds for “poor conduct.”

Cases Requiring Professional Consultation

We recommend early consultation with a specialist in the following situations:

For Foreign Nationals:

  • Wishing to convert a home country license to a Japanese license
  • International permit expiration approaching
  • Past unlicensed driving incidents
  • Upcoming residency status renewal or change
  • Planning to apply for permanent residency

For Companies:

  • Uncertain about employee license management procedures
  • Possibility that an employee was driving without a license
  • Desire to establish foreign employment compliance systems
  • Considering implementing license acquisition support programs

Conclusion

Unlicensed driving is not merely a traffic violation—it is a criminal offense with serious consequences for residency status. “I didn’t know” is not an acceptable excuse, and in some cases, the very foundation of life in Japan may be at risk.

For Foreign Nationals:
Before driving in Japan, ensure all appropriate procedures are completed. If you have any concerns, we recommend consulting with a specialist.

For Companies:
License management for foreign employees is part of corporate compliance. Establish appropriate verification and management systems to protect both employees and the company.

Living and working safely in Japan requires proper knowledge and appropriate procedures. When in doubt, do not struggle alone—utilize professional support.

Reference Article: https://article.yahoo.co.jp/detail/fb14e13a99dbf6e2f8c33d9b4c377efc672c0f54

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