Introduction

For foreign nationals holding the “Specified Skilled Worker” status of residence in Japan, renewing their visa is a crucial procedure to continue living and working in the country. However, many worry whether renewal is possible if they have three traffic violations. This article explains clearly, based on government official information and practical handling, whether renewal is possible with three traffic violations.

Relationship Between Traffic Violations and Visa Renewal

A key criterion for renewing a residence status including Specified Skilled Worker is “good conduct.” The Immigration Services Agency of Japan carefully examines whether the applicant has any history of legal violations, including traffic offenses, when renewing their status.

Although minor violations alone usually do not cause issues, repeated violations increase the risk of being judged as having bad conduct. Especially when there are three violations, the judgment depends on the nature and circumstances of those violations.

Types of Traffic Violations and Impact on Renewal

Traffic violations are broadly categorized as “minor violations” and “serious violations.” Minor ones include parking and mild speeding, usually settled with fines. Serious violations such as drunk driving, unlicensed driving, or hit-and-run incur stricter penalties including fines or imprisonment.

If three violations are minor, it is generally not a significant obstacle in practice for visa renewal. However, repeated offenses or those deemed malicious carry a higher risk of refusal.

Practical Points and Precautions

1. Honest declaration is essential
   Applicants must declare all traffic violation records honestly during application. False declarations or concealment can lead to denial and damage future credibility.
2. Show attitude of reflection and improvement
   Demonstrating efforts to improve lifestyle and prevent reoffending in documents or interviews tends to improve the examiner’s assessment.
3. Handling serious violations
   Serious violations often make renewal difficult. In such cases, timing of application and expert advice are crucial.

Example Cases

• Mr. A (male in his 30s working in IT) had three minor violations such as mild speeding and parking within 5 years, declared honestly, showed remorse, and successfully renewed his visa.
• Ms. B (female in her 40s), convicted of drunk driving, failed to meet good conduct requirements and was denied renewal.

Summary

Even with three traffic violations, if all are minor, renewal of the Specified Skilled Worker visa is possible. The severity and repetition of violations, honest declaration, and attitude of remorse and improvement are key evaluation points. Serious violation records make renewal difficult, so professional consultation is recommended. Honest and sincere behavior during application is most important.