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officer then may give the driver of the vehicle an itemized list of what is needed to make the
Vehicle safe.
11. Vehicle Malfunctions:
Should a motor vehicle stop due to a malfunction or breakdown in the traffic lanes, the road
shoulder, or zone along the side of a national expressway, the driver must clearly show their
motor vehicle is stopped by using an emergency warning device. Vehicles traveling on
national expressways must be equipped with some type of emergency warning device (flare or
some sort of reflective device).
It is the vehicle operator’s responsibility to check such things as gasoline supply, water, oil, the
security of cargo, etc., when driving on national expressways and roads exclusively for motor
vehicles. Should a driver violate this provision and not meet this obligation they will be
subject to penalty and fines depending on the nature of incident or mishap resulting in damage
or injury to personnel.
12. Automobile Modifications:
Vehicle owners will notify Joint Service Vehicle Registration Office (JSVRO) on Camp
Foster at DSN: 645-7481 whenever vehicles are altered in any way. Altering a vehicle
includes installation of suspension lift kits, lowering kits, re-painting the vehicle a different
color, painting non-offensive designs, or any other modification which alters the performance
or appearance. Modifications that do not fit this definition include trailer hitches, cargo racks
(bicycle, luggage, or surf board racks), or running boards. If the modification is not approved
by JSVRO in writing, it is subject to being ticketed and/or impoundment. The written
approval from JSVRO must remain with the vehicle at all times.
13. Accidents:
Any person involved in, witnesses, or first arrives at the scene of a motor vehicle accident will
notify Security Forces BDOC at DSN: 634-2475 Comm: 098-961-2475. Contact SFS
immediately for serious accidents involving injuries and within 72 hours for minor accidents (no
injuries and vehicle can safely drive). Security Forces will respond to traffic accidents off base
involving USFJ personnel, when requested by Japanese Police and for all major vehicle
accidents, if it appears the accident is likely to result in the apprehension of a USFJ member or
when the extent or nature of the accident cannot be determined.
A frequent cause of vehicle accidents in Okinawa is, “failure to yield the right-of-way”. Other
conditions are: congested roadways, slick roadway surfaces, pedestrians, roadway construction,
narrow roads, tight parking lots, and driving too fast. Know what to do if you are involved in an
accident, whether it is your fault or not. If you are involved in an accident, first of all, assist the
injured, remain at the scene, exchange personal data and notify the local prefectural police and
the Security Forces. Do not move your vehicle until told to do so by the police. Moving your
vehicle will hamper the investigation and you could be automatically found at fault.
In traffic accidents involving more than minor property damage, the driver, unless incapacitated,
will attend to the injured and not move the accident vehicles or leave the scene of the accident
until military or civil law enforcement personnel authorize his or her departure. You are