IDP and Japan – 90 day rule

[Seagull]

I’m just back from a relatively frequent work trip to Japan where I normally have a rental car from Nippon Car Rental at NRT. This time though I very nearly didn’t get a car, as they quoted a law that says your IDP is invalid if it has been less than 90 days since you last left Japan (and it was for me). As is normal in Japan, the rules are the rules and initially they were not for turning (strange as it looks like this was a law from 2002, so no idea why it’s not been an issue for me in the past when it’s been <90 days between my trips).

Anyhow, after me politely and repeatedly pushing back there was much discussion amongst the Nippon staff, multiple folders were consulted, several phone conversations and eventually they agreed to rent to me. I’ve no idea why (they assured me it was legal as they had spoken to the police) and if there is a different interpretation to the rules available, and if it will be the same next time!

Just a heads up though in case anyone else is in the same situation, or can give me some further knowledge and clarification on the matter to better arm me for the next visit which will be <90 days away.

Thanks.

[Ant M]

I believe the 90 day rule is because you can only use an IDP for a year after arriving in Japan, and the 90 days rule stops people living in Japan from going abroad for say a weekend and using that to reset the validity of the IDP and using an IDP almost indefinitely rather than getting a Japanese license.

As you arent resident in Japan but visit regularly you’re getting caught in the rules aimed at residents. For the first year you’d be fine but beyond that then they’re seeing the 90 days rule as applying

[Seagull]

Ah OK, that makes more sense, thank you. So probably just need to make sure they know I’m not a resident and it’s shouldn’t (in theory) be an issue. I can see why they brought something like this in though for residents.

[Ant M]

Seagull wrote:

Ah OK, that makes more sense, thank you. So probably just need to make sure they know I’m not a resident and it’s shouldn’t (in theory) be an issue. I can see why they brought something like this in though for residents.

I’d like to say you should be ok but.. they do tend to follow rules quite strictly in Japan and since there is no exception for regular visitors it could still be a problem.

Would using a different car hire firm work? Just thinking if you alternate between two firms, each would see your last rental from them was over 90 days and assume you comply.

[Seagull]

Ant M wrote:

Seagull wrote:

Ah OK, that makes more sense, thank you. So probably just need to make sure they know I’m not a resident and it’s shouldn’t (in theory) be an issue. I can see why they brought something like this in though for residents.

I’d like to say you should be ok but.. they do tend to follow rules quite strictly in Japan and since there is no exception for regular visitors it could still be a problem.

Would using a different car hire firm work? Just thinking if you alternate between two firms, each would see your last rental from them was over 90 days and assume you comply.

Hmm, not sure it would as the whole issue arose when they were inspecting my passport and saw the multiple pages with the blue entry stickers on them and the fact that the date of entry on the latest one was before the expiry of the previous one. Perhaps this requires some more thought.

[ayearinmx]

Get another UK passport… if you’re travelling for work, get them to sponsor you

[Seagull]

Thanks @ayearinmx that’s a good idea.