- Introduction: What is “White Truck” Activity?
- 1. Legal Framework and Penalties for “White Truck” Activities
- 2. Details and Background of This Case
- 3. Serious Impact on Visa Status
- 4. What Employers of Foreign Nationals Should Know
- 5. What Foreign Residents Can Do to Protect Themselves
- 6. Other Illegal Activities to Be Aware of Besides “White Trucks”
- 7. Conclusion: An Era Where “I Didn’t Know” Is No Excuse
Introduction: What is “White Truck” Activity?
In January 2026, a Vietnamese couple residing in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, was arrested for engaging in “white truck” activities.
“White truck” refers to the illegal practice of conducting paid transportation services using a white-numbered vehicle (private vehicle) without proper authorization. Formally, this constitutes a violation of the Road Transport Act and violators may face imprisonment or fines.
The arrested couple had accepted moving job requests through social media and transported goods for as little as 4,000 yen. This “small side job” could potentially lead to the serious consequence of losing their visa status.
In this article, from the perspective of an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi), we will thoroughly examine the impact this case has on foreign nationals themselves and their employers, as well as future countermeasures.
1. Legal Framework and Penalties for “White Truck” Activities
1-1. What is “Transportation Business” Regulated by the Road Transport Act?
In Japan, the act of transporting cargo for compensation at the request of others constitutes “General Freight Automobile Transportation Business” and requires permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Road Transport Act, Article 3).
If transportation business is conducted without this permission, the following penalties apply:
- Imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 3 million yen (Road Transport Act, Article 123)
- In the case of corporations, both the corporation and the individual may be subject to fines under dual liability provisions
1-2. The Difference Between “White Plates” and “Green Plates”
- White plates (private vehicles): Vehicles used for oneself or family members
- Green plates (commercial use): Business vehicles authorized by the government to transport people or goods for compensation
Using white-plated vehicles for paid transportation is strictly regulated by law due to issues with safety standards, insurance coverage, and operation management.
2. Details and Background of This Case
2-1. Case Overview
- Suspects: Mr. X (37 years old, unemployed), Mrs. Y (38 years old, temporary worker)
- Charges: Transporting moving goods of a Vietnamese woman from Okazaki City to Hekinan City using a private vehicle without transportation business permission
- Compensation: 4,000 yen
- Customer Acquisition Method: Social media (likely Facebook or other Vietnamese community platforms)
Mr. X has admitted to the charges, while Mrs. Y has partially denied them.
2-2. Why Vietnamese Nationals Engage in “White Truck” Activities
Within Vietnamese communities, information sharing through social media is extremely active. When demand for moving or delivery services arises, posts seeking “someone who can transport cheaply” spread quickly, and illegal transportation businesses tend to expand in response.
The following background factors have also been identified:
- Insufficient Japanese language ability makes understanding laws difficult
- Misunderstanding that “small amounts aren’t a problem”
- Perception of “helping friends”
- Economic hardship or need to supplement living expenses
3. Serious Impact on Visa Status
3-1. Relationship Between Criminal Cases and Visa Status Review
For foreign nationals to maintain and renew their visa status in Japan, they must demonstrate “good conduct” (Immigration Control Act, Article 22-4).
If arrested, prosecuted, and convicted in a criminal case, the following risks exist:
- Denial of visa status renewal
- Revocation of visa status (Immigration Control Act, Article 22-4, Paragraph 1)
- Deportation (forced repatriation)
Particularly if sentenced to imprisonment or confinement, even with suspended execution, this becomes an extremely unfavorable record in visa status reviews.
3-2. Inference About “Temporary Worker” Visa Status
Since Mrs. Y works as a “temporary worker,” she likely holds a work-eligible visa status such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” or “Specified Skilled Worker.”
However, if this illegal act results in a conviction, there is a high probability of denial at the next renewal, and she may not be able to continue her main employment as a temporary worker.
4. What Employers of Foreign Nationals Should Know
4-1. Relationship Between Side Job Acceptance and Visa Status Risks
In recent years, with work style reforms, more companies have been accepting or encouraging side jobs, but special attention is required for foreign national employees.
This is because foreign nationals can only work “within the scope defined by their visa status” (Immigration Control Act, Article 19). For example, it is illegal for an employee with “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa status to engage in simple labor or transportation work without permission.
4-2. “Management Responsibility” Required of Companies
The Immigration Control Act imposes the following obligations on companies employing foreign nationals:
- Proper labor management
- Notification of legal compliance
- Verification and record-keeping of visa status
If an employee loses their visa status due to illegal side work, the company will also face the following impacts:
- Sudden loss of personnel
- Wasted recruitment and training costs
- Reduced corporate credibility in future visa applications
4-3. Practical Countermeasures
Specific measures companies should take include:
① Clarification in Employment Contracts
- Mandate advance notification when engaging in side jobs
- Verify that side job content complies with visa status
② Regular Training
- Legal compliance training in multiple languages
- Introduce specific examples of illegal activities like “white trucks” and “white taxis”
③ Establishment of Consultation Services
- Set up internal consultation services and coordinate with administrative scriveners and lawyers
- Clearly indicate “who to consult when in trouble”
④ Warnings About Social Media Use
- Caution about illegal side job information circulated within Vietnamese communities
- Education to avoid falling for “easy money” temptations
5. What Foreign Residents Can Do to Protect Themselves
5-1. Properly Understand Your Visa Status
First, accurately understand “what you can do” and “what you cannot do” with your visa status.
The back of your residence card indicates “presence or absence of employment restrictions.” If anything is unclear, consult with the Immigration Bureau or an administrative scrivener.
5-2. What to Confirm Before Starting a Side Job
When considering a side job, always confirm the following:
- Is the job within the scope of your visa status?
- Does it require any permits or notifications?
- Regardless of compensation, does it constitute illegal activity?
5-3. Obtaining “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted”
If you wish to perform work not permitted under your visa status, you must obtain “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” in advance.
However, this permission has restrictions such as “within 28 hours per week,” and in principle, “entertainment businesses” and “simple labor” are not permitted.
5-4. Where to Seek Help When in Trouble
- Immigration Bureau (Immigration Services Agency): Official consultation service for visa status
- Administrative Scriveners (Gyoseishoshi): Specialists in visa applications and legal consultation
- Multicultural Community Centers: Foreign resident consultation services established by local governments
- Home Country Community Organizations: Important to select trustworthy information sources
6. Other Illegal Activities to Be Aware of Besides “White Trucks”
6-1. “White Taxi” Activities
Using white-numbered private vehicles to transport people for compensation is also illegal. Cases of foreign nationals being caught at airports and tourist spots are increasing.
6-2. Operating Unlicensed Minpaku (Private Lodging)
Renting out homes or apartments for compensation without obtaining permission under the Hotel Business Act is also illegal. Even when using services like Airbnb, notification is always required.
6-3. Working Outside Your Visa Status
For example, working more than 28 hours per week in simple labor with a “Student” visa status, or working on factory production lines with “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa status—cases where the visa status and actual job content do not match are also illegal.
7. Conclusion: An Era Where “I Didn’t Know” Is No Excuse
This arrest case involving “white truck” activities demonstrates how important legal understanding is for foreign nationals living in Japan.
I want many people to know that “a side job worth just 4,000 yen” is directly connected to the risk of losing visa status and losing the entire foundation of life in Japan.
For Foreign Residents
To live safely and long-term in Japan, obeying the law is most important. If you have any concerns, please consult with specialists.
For Employers of Foreign Nationals
Employees losing their visa status due to illegal side work is a significant loss for companies as well. Establish proper management systems and provide an environment where employees can work with peace of mind.
[Reference Article]
“White Truck” Activity Suspected… Vietnamese Couple Arrested for Transporting Moving Goods in Private Vehicle Without National Transportation Permit
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/d1be6343e539f64b74ebedcac2aced4fecd21439
[Contact]
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