Road tax season rolls in Published April 2, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Desiree Economides 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Japanese road tax season has begun and all Status of Forces Agreement members have the opportunity to pay the fees on base. Road tax is being collected at the Yujo Community Center, building 327, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 1 - 3 p.m. April 16 to 19 for regular vehicles and April 16 and 17 for mini-cars and motorcycles. "Road tax is required to be paid on an annual basis by anyone who drives a motorized vehicle in Japan," said Senior Airman Ernia Hellen, 374th Security Forces Squadron pass and registration clerk. "The money collected by the Government of Japan helps to maintain their roads to not only minimize vehicle damage but also to keep the roads safe. It also helps in keeping the cost of tolls to a minimum." Vehicles owners who do not have a 2013 road tax decal after May 31, 2013, will be subject to a citation, which may result in the loss of driving and vehicle registration privileges. Since road tax is given directly to the Government of Japan, it must be paid in yen. Debit and credit cards are not accepted. To speed the process, SOFA members are encouraged to bring exact change. Regular vehicle road tax fees are as follows: - 400 and 500 series plates; 7,500 Yen - 300 and 800 series plates, 4.5 Liter engines and below; 19,000 Yen - 300 and 800 series plates, 4.5 Liter engines and above; 22,000 Yen - 100Y and 100E series plates; 32,000 Yen Mini-cars and motorcycle road tax fees are as follows: - Mini-cars 40A, 50A, 480A and 580A; 3,000 Yen - Motorcycles, 125cc engines and above; 1,000 Yen - Motorcycles, 125cc engines and below; 500 Yen SOFA status members must bring the following support documents to pay their road tax: - Japanese Inspection Certificate (JN Title) - Liability Insurance Policy - Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI) - Military Registration (374 AW Form 12) - Military ID card For more information contact the Pass and Registration office at 225-8932 or 225-8914.