1-1. Why moving violations are problems in Japanese Visa / Citizenship application:

Are you paying your insurance, pension (nenkin) and taxes properly? Do you have any moving violations, criminal records in the past?  Are you involved with criminal activities?, etc. All of these questions will be checked and assessed closely before issuing Visas or Citizenships to foreigners in Japan.

In other words, having no moving violations is considered an essential condition when applying for Japanese citizenship. Depending on the content of the applicant’s violation, the application may be denied. So what is the possibility of it? Also, when and to what extent may the visa/citizenship application be denied?

1-2. In case of parking violation / speed violation:

There are many levels of moving violations. So how do minor violations such as parking violations and speed violations affect residency status / citizenship applications?

Even for minor moving violations, if there are 5 or more times within the last 5 years, there is still a chance that the Application for change of status of residence will be denied. In addition, repeated minor violations of 1 to 3 points will result in the suspension of the Driver’s License. Excessive speed violations may result in suspended or even revoked license. As such, the application for citizenship / visa will not be accepted.

1-3. In the case of drunk driving, driving without a license or causing accident

Drunk driving is a serious violation. If you have your license suspended or revoked after getting caught drunk driving, it will be very difficult to change into permanent residence status or apply for Japanese citizenship later on.

Why can’t you hide your moving violations records away from the authorities?

2-1. Documents required for the citizenship application:

When applying for Japanese citizenship, you need to submit a “5-year driving record” to the Legal Office, which will confirm your record of traffic violations and traffic accidents (if any) for the past 5 years.

From the description of this record, you can see details of moving violations, traffic accidents and administrative penalties you have received (if any) for the last 5 years.

By the way, there are 4 types of certificates related to driving history:

① Driving record certificate: This certifies records of traffic violations, accidents and license endorsements in the past one to five year period. It is used to encourage safe driving, praise good drivers, etc., and is required when applying for or renewing a private taxi license.

② Clean Accident and Offense Record Certificate: This certifies that a driver has no record of accidents or traffic violations over a specified period. This certificate is used to encourage safe driving, praise good drivers, etc.

③ Certification of Driver’s License History: This certifies past lapsed or revoked licenses, the type of license currently held, the date it was obtained, etc. 

④ Certification of Points Accumulated: This certifies the current points accumulated for traffic violations and accidents.

Note: Forms for these documents can be obtained at the Japan Safe Driving Center or police stations.

2-2. If you violate the law, it is important to be honest:

If you violated the traffic law but do not state it in your Visa / Citizenship application, you will be considered dishonest when the Legal Department finds out the truth.

When doing the interview, you are often asked about past traffic violations. In case you are found out to be dishonest during the interview, your application will be denied even when it is just a minor violation.

As mentioned above, based on the certificate of driving record, the Legal Department will double check your answers during the interview, so if there is a violation, you should not hide it because they will find out eventually.

For minor violations and short-term residence status change, it possibly does not affect the Visa application process. However, for serious violations, there is no doubt that it will certainly affect the process. Not only to successfully apply for a new Visa or even change nationality, but also to protect other people, you should obey traffic laws seriously.