Question from a reader:
I recently made a U-turn in a no U-turn zone in Tokyo and got caught by the police. When I presented my driver’s license, I was informed that it had expired about a month and a half ago, and I realized for the first time that it was expired. I received a ticket for unlicensed driving and
making a U-turn, and was told to appear at the Metropolitan Police Department and the prosecutor’s office later. I was completely unaware of the expiration, and my wife, who was with me, also did not notice. This is noted in the police report. In such cases, will unlicensed driving result in a criminal record and a fine? Or is there a high possibility of not being prosecuted? I would like to hear from someone with experience.

Unlicensed Driving and Violating No U-Turn Signs: Legal Advice from a Legal Perspective

Hello everyone! Today, I want to discuss a rather serious topic. Recently, I received a question from a reader. The content was about making a U-turn in a no U-turn zone and getting caught for unlicensed driving because the driver’s license was expired. I will talk about such cases from a legal perspective.

What is the Expiration Date of a Driver’s License?

First of all, it’s surprisingly common for people to experience their driver’s license expiring. I have also had my license expire once. I was really panicked at that time. I managed to update it quickly and got through it, but driving with an expired license is against the law. If a driver’s license is not valid, that driving is considered “unlicensed driving.” Under Japanese law, unlicensed driving carries very strict penalties. Specifically, there is a possibility of imprisonment or fines. Of course, if an accident occurs while driving, the responsibility becomes even heavier.

Violating No U-Turn Signs

Next, regarding the violation of no U-turn signs, this is also an important point that cannot be ignored. Making a U-turn in a location where there is a no U-turn sign is considered a violation of the Road Traffic Act. If this violation occurs, there is a possibility of fines or penalties. In short, in this case, there are two overlapping violations: the violation of the no U-turn sign and unlicensed driving. It’s concerning how this will affect the situation.

Unlicensed Driving and Its Responsibilities

From a legal perspective, unlicensed driving fundamentally questions the presence of “negligence.” If the driver was completely unaware that their license had expired, it may be judged as minor negligence. However, even so, it will still be treated as unlicensed driving under the law, so the possibility of fines or imprisonment remains. What’s important here is that even if you are caught for unlicensed driving, it doesn’t immediately mean you will have a criminal record. In fact, if it is your first offense, there is a possibility of not being prosecuted. This depends on many factors, but particularly the “degree of negligence” has a significant impact.

Possibility of Not Being Prosecuted

Now, regarding the reader’s concern about the “possibility of not being prosecuted,” if it is a first offense for unlicensed driving, there is certainly a possibility of that. The police and prosecutors tend to avoid harsh penalties for first-time offenders, and if you show remorse, the subsequent treatment may be lighter. I know someone who was not prosecuted in a similar case. In his case, he honestly spoke about his ignorance in the police report and showed remorse. As a result, he was acquitted. Of course, it might have just been good luck, but the importance of a sincere attitude of remorse remains unchanged.

How to Handle the Situation

So, if you face such a situation in the future, let’s talk about how to handle it. First and foremost, it is essential to remain calm. Acting hastily often leads to counterproductive outcomes. Next, the police report you receive is a crucial piece of evidence. Make sure to convey your situation honestly and have it properly recorded that you were unaware of your unlicensed driving. Additionally, it is required to update your driver’s license as soon as possible and complete the necessary procedures. Furthermore, deepening your knowledge of the law can also be helpful. Especially regarding traffic violations, it’s good to be aware of past cases and information about legal amendments. This way, you will be able to handle similar situations calmly in the future.

Conclusion

For readers troubled by the dual offenses of unlicensed driving and violating no U-turn signs, I understand that worries abound. However, when ignorance and negligence overlap, it does not necessarily mean that severe penalties will be imposed. Particularly for first offenses, the likelihood of not being prosecuted is high. From now on, it is crucial to always check the expiration date of your driver’s license while driving and to strictly adhere to traffic rules. Ensure your own traffic safety so that you can drive anytime. Finally, if you have any concerns, I recommend consulting a legal expert. Addressing worries early by consulting a professional may lead to better outcomes than living with anxiety. So, everyone, please drive safely and enjoy your drives!