Time to pay annual road tax Published April 6, 2008 By Senior Airman Chad Strohmeyer 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- It's that time of the year again -- road tax season is here. Road tax is a Japanese law that requires all registered vehicle owners to pay an annual fee to help repair roads throughout the prefectures of Japan. "If you don't pay road tax and are involved in an accident, stopped at the gate for a random inspection, or for any type of vehicle violation, it will result in a six month suspension of driving privileges," said Staff Sgt. Lawrence McKnight, 35th Security Forces Squadron. "Our goal is to provide Misawa Air Bases' residents a convenient one-stop shop experience, eliminating the need for residents to set up off base appointments to pay these fees." Each year Security Forces, in cooperation with the Aomori Tax Office, conducts annual road tax collection and vehicle registration for all SOFA sponsored personnel assigned to Misawa Air Base. "Don't get road tax and registration confused," Sergeant McKnight said. "Base registration simply is registering your vehicle on base. A base decal follows the individual, road tax follows the vehicle." The amount due is based on piston displacement, or the size of your engine. A numerical indication of the horsepower rating of a particular engine is expressed in cubic centimeters. A higher cubic centimeter displacement indicates a more powerful engine. The Government of Japan utilizes the piston displacement for differentiating vehicle registration and road tax requirements. U.S. Forces personnel who acquire motor vehicles subsequent to April 1 in any fiscal year (April 1 to March 31), but prior to the close of this fiscal year, are required to pay one twelfth of the annual road tax amount for each month from the first of the month following the acquisition of the motor vehicle until the close of the Japanese fiscal year. This year registration and road tax payments are scheduled for April 14 to the 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and April 18 from 8:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Mokuteki Ballroom. "As you prepare to register your vehicles, we would like to provide you a few helpful hints to make your registration process quick and painless," said Sergeant McKnight. Personnel are advised to bring the following items: - Proof of current liability insurance - Japanese vehicle title (ensure the title is registered in the current owner's name) - Valid JCI policy - Road tax receipt from 2007 - Current base registration Yen is the only accepted form of payment. People unable to pay during the designated days and times may have a trusted individual accomplish this for them; a power-of-attorney is not required. "We're still looking for volunteers to ensure the success of this event," added Sergeant McKnight. For more information, monitor the Commander's Access Channel or contact Pass and Registration at 226-3995.