If you buy an old car in Japan (for example, on yahoo auctions), there’s a chance that the car doesn’t possess a valid car inspection (車検 – Shaken). Bringing such a car home is quite a hassle, as hauling companies can be expensive. Driving the car under it’s own power may be an alternative. In this situation, it is actually possible to drive your new car home yourself: the trip must have a specific purpose (=bringing the car home, or visiting a Shaken inspection center), and the route must be agreed upon with the registration office in advance.
Disclaimer: if you drive a car without technical inspection on public roads, you and you alone are responsible for the safety of the car. I am experienced with car maintenance, and have restored multiple cars. In my case, I’ve spent an entire day to maintain the car and the brakes, and installed brand new tires. I would never drive on public roads without confidence in the car brakes, suspension or steering.
If you don’t know what you are doing or have doubts, please take the safe route and use a trailer. You don’t want to risk your or someone else’s life. Please use this privilege responsibly.
Getting Insurance
First, you will need an insurance (自賠責保険). It is possible to get such insurance even without the original of the vehicle registration papers (a copy is sufficient) and without valid inspection (Shaken), but it requires a bit of search. I first went to AutoBacs, who insisted on the original vehicle documents. I tried a few small insurance offices, until finally I found a small insurance office that provided me with the 自賠責保険. Make sure to mention that your car doesn’t have a valid Shaken and you need the insurance for driving it to your place, otherwise you may get the wrong insurance.
I got the wrong one at first, but luckily I sent a picture to my Japanese friend, who – by phone – helped me to explain what I needed to the insurance lady. You’ll need this insurance when you go to the temporary registration office.
Apply for Temporary License Plates
On the day of your trip (or Friday before the weekend), take the insurance document and the copy of your vehicle documents to your local ward office (not the vehicle registration office!), and apply for temporary license plates. You will need to provide the vehicle location, the destination, and the route you are intending to drive. Do not make any detours later!
The validity of the license plate depends on the distance: it it’s close-by, the plates will only be valid for one day. For me, I was picking up a car from Nagoya to Yokohama, and the validity was four days.
Protect these plates with all your mighty, I’ve heard that these are frequently stolen and you will be in a world of pain if this happens to you. Don’t leave your car parked outside with these plates still on.
Driving Home
Attach the temporary license plates to your car. Before driving home, please verify the safety of your car. How do the tires look like? How do the brakes look like? Do the brakes work well? Are there any issues? Do all lights work? Any leakages? Remember, you are responsible for the safety of yourself and others, so don’t make any silly mistakes. If something doesn’t work, you can still hire a transportation company.
Returning the Temporary Plates
You will need to return these plates within a few days, so don’t forget to return them to the ward office.
