Question from a reader:
I was pulled over by the police while driving and received a stern warning without being issued a ticket. During this time, they noted my driver’s license and phone number. What will this personal information be used for? Also, if anyone knows how long it will be stored, please let me know.

Handling of Personal Information When Pulled
Over While Driving

Being pulled over by the police while driving is something that anyone might experience at least once. I too had an occasion when I was stopped by the police for a minor violation while picking up my child from daycare. Fortunately, I wasn’t issued a ticket, but I did receive a stern warning, and they noted my driver’s license and phone number. At that moment, I wondered, “What will happen to this personal information?” I would like to address that question this time.

Collection of Personal Information by the Police

First, let’s consider why the police collect personal information while driving. When you receive a stern warning, the officer records your information as part of preventing accidents or further violations. In other words, it is to ensure that they can verify what kind of driving you were doing later on. For example, there may be a need for information such as, “What kind of person was the driver at that time?” Especially in the case of a serious accident, your past driving history and whether you have received warnings can become important evidence. This is one reason why the police note your driver’s license and phone number.

Use and Retention Period of Personal Information

So, how is this collected personal information specifically used, and for how long is it retained? Generally, the information collected by the police is considered to be used for the following purposes: 1. Investigation of traffic accidents: If an investigation is conducted regarding an accident you were involved in, the information from that time will be useful. 2. Data analysis for preventing recurrence: The police may use the collected data to analyze trends in violations. 3. Management of violation history: It may be used as material to identify drivers who have previously committed violations and to provide warnings or education as necessary. Now, regarding the retention period, generally, the information collected by the police is required by law to be stored for a certain period. For example, records of traffic violations are usually kept for about five years, but this can vary depending on the region and circumstances. It is advisable to check with your local police station or relevant laws for more details.

From the Perspective of Personal Information Protection

What is important here is the protection of personal information. Japan’s Personal Information Protection Law establishes strict standards for handling personal information. The police must also comply with this law and manage the collected personal information appropriately to prevent leaks. I myself am sensitive to how personal information is handled, and sometimes I feel anxious about my behavior while driving due to privacy concerns. However, rest assured that the police act based on the law, so there is no risk of personal information being misused indiscriminately.

The Significance of Stern Warnings Involving Personal Information

The experience of being pulled over and receiving a stern warning may not be pleasant for many people. However, it is also an important process that contributes to traffic safety. Receiving a stern warning can serve as an opportunity to reflect on one’s driving. In fact, at that time, I strongly felt that “I need to drive more carefully,” and I have been more cautious in my driving since then. Of course, it is always necessary to be attentive while driving, but the presence of the police does help raise that awareness.

Conclusion

Being pulled over by the police while driving and having your driver’s license and phone number noted is a necessary procedure from the perspective of personal information management and traffic safety. The collected information is used for investigating traffic accidents and preventing recurrence, and it is strictly managed according to the law. When driving in the future, let’s obey traffic rules and prioritize the safety of ourselves and others. If something happens, it might be a good opportunity to reflect on our driving, so it could be beneficial to view it positively. Finally, if you have any questions about interactions with the police while driving or regarding personal information, please consult your local police station. They will surely provide you with thorough answers. Let’s enjoy safe driving and healthy journeys!