Naturalization and the Impact of Traffic Violations or Minor Criminal Records｜Risk of Rejection and Strategies for Reapplication [2025 Update]

Introduction

One of the most common questions we receive from foreign nationals considering naturalization is:
“Can I still apply for naturalization even though I have past traffic violations or a minor criminal record?”

In Japan, one of the key examination items for naturalization is the “Good Conduct Requirement.” This is a criterion used to judge whether an applicant has been living properly in Japanese society based on their past behavior and daily life. Therefore, traffic violations or minor criminal records may raise concerns about meeting this requirement.

However, it does not necessarily mean that “one violation automatically leads to rejection.” The decision depends on the nature, timing, frequency of the violations or crimes, and the applicant’s conduct afterward.

This article explains in detail, based on practical experience, how traffic violations and minor criminal records are treated in the naturalization process and what examination points are emphasized.

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Chapter 1｜What Is the “Good Conduct Requirement” in Naturalization?

One of the main requirements determining approval or rejection in naturalization is the Good Conduct Requirement (Sokō Zenryō Yōken).
The Legal Affairs Bureau mainly examines whether the applicant complies with Japanese laws in daily life and refrains from socially blameworthy behavior.

1. Factors Considered

The examination typically checks the following:

• Traffic violations (speeding, ignoring signals, parking violations, etc.)
• Criminal history (shoplifting, assault, other minor criminal cases)
• Tax and social insurance payment status
• Daily behavior (no neighborhood disputes, no violent conduct, etc.)

In other words, it is not only about “whether you obey the law,” but also whether you act responsibly as a member of society.

2. Typical Reasons for Rejection

From past cases, the following are common grounds for rejection:

Reason for Rejection	Details
Repeated traffic violations	Multiple speeding or parking violations in a short period
Tax delinquency	Unpaid or overdue income or residence tax
Repeated petty crimes	Multiple shoplifting incidents, assault history
Serious criminal record	Past imprisonment or detention sentences

Here, the emphasis is not on “one minor violation” but rather on repetition, seriousness, and the degree of social blameworthiness.

3. The Legal Affairs Bureau’s Approach

The Bureau tends to focus on whether an applicant has rehabilitated after past mistakes. Even if there is a violation or criminal record, if the applicant has lived problem-free for a certain period afterward, the chance of approval upon reapplication increases.

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Chapter 2｜Typical Traffic Violations and Their Impact on Naturalization

Among naturalization consultations, traffic violations are the most common concern.
Since many foreign residents drive cars or bicycles in Japan, small infractions are not unusual. But how much do they actually affect the application?

1. Categories of Traffic Violations

Traffic violations are broadly divided into minor, moderate, and serious.

Category	Examples	General Impact on Examination
Minor violations	Parking violations, not wearing a seatbelt, failing to stop at a stop sign	One-time incidents usually have no impact. Repeated offenses in a short period may be considered poor conduct.
Moderate violations	Speeding (20–30 km/h over), using a mobile phone while driving, ignoring signals	A few cases may have mild influence. Recent violations can be disadvantageous.
Serious violations	Drunk driving, driving without a license, speeding 50 km/h+, hit-and-run	Major negative factor. High risk of rejection.

2. Demerit Point System

Japan uses a demerit point system for traffic offenses, which is also referenced in naturalization examinations.

• A small number of points, one-time violation → Limited impact
• High accumulation of points in a short time → Viewed as low compliance with laws
• License suspension or revocation → Major negative factor

In practice, if the applicant has a history of license suspension or worse, it is advisable to wait several years of accident- and violation-free driving before applying.

3. Typical Questions at the Bureau

During interviews, applicants are often asked:

• “When and what kind of traffic violation did you commit?”
• “Did you pay the fine properly?”
• “Why did the violation occur?”
• “How have you changed your driving behavior since then?”

👉 The key is that the Bureau focuses less on the violation itself, and more on the applicant’s efforts to improve afterward.

4. Approval/Rejection Benchmarks

Based on real cases, here is a rough guide:

Situation	Impact on Examination
One parking violation 5 years ago	Almost no impact
2–3 minor violations within the last 3 years	Possible approval, but may be noted
Repeated violations in the past year	High risk of rejection
Drunk driving offense	Rejected for several years; reapplication required
Driving without a license (past record)	Extremely high risk of rejection; long rehabilitation needed

Summary (Chapter 2)

The key factors in examining traffic violations are frequency, timing, and nature of the violation.

• One-time minor violation → Not a major issue
• Repeated violations → Increased risk of rejection
• Serious violations (e.g., drunk driving) → Long-term negative factor

In other words, having traffic violations does not automatically make you ineligible to apply, but misjudging the timing of the application or how past records are disclosed may lead to rejection.

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Chapter 3｜How Minor Criminal Records Are Handled

Apart from traffic violations, minor crimes also come up in naturalization cases.
Typical examples include shoplifting, minor assault, petty theft, fines, or summary court orders.

1. Common Examples of Minor Crimes

The following types of cases are always subject to review during a naturalization application:

Type	Example	Examination View
Theft/Shoplifting	Stealing from a convenience store or workplace supplies	High rejection risk if repeated; strict even if recent one-time
Assault	Minor fight causing injury	Major negative if reported and punished
Minor Offenses Act	Trespassing, property damage, etc.	Multiple occurrences → Poor conduct
Traffic-related crimes	Drunk driving with fine, hit-and-run	Treated seriously, requires years of rehabilitation

2. “Criminal Record” vs. “Criminal History”

• Criminal record (Zenka) → Convicted in court (fines, imprisonment, etc.)
• Criminal history (Zenrei) → Arrest but no indictment, released after questioning, etc.

👉 Naturalization weighs criminal records more heavily, but multiple histories may still harm the applicant’s evaluation.

3. Impact on Examination

The impact can be summarized as follows:

Situation	Impact
Shoplifting (fine) 10 years ago	Approval possible if no further problems
Shoplifting within last 2–3 years	High rejection risk
Assault (fine) 5 years ago	Approval possible if otherwise stable
Recent assault with fine	Likely rejection, advised to reapply later
Multiple fines by summary order	Repetition → Very high rejection risk

4. Key Factors

The Bureau especially considers:

• Timing of the crime (recent vs. long ago)
• Number of times (single vs. multiple)
• Severity of punishment (non-indictment, fine, suspended sentence, etc.)
• Post-crime behavior (rehabilitation, stable lifestyle)

👉 For example, in a case where someone committed shoplifting 10 years ago but has since led a completely problem-free social life, the Legal Affairs Bureau may acknowledge rehabilitation and grant approval. On the other hand, if the same act has been repeated recently, it is highly likely to result in rejection.

5. Practical Notes from an Administrative Scrivener

• Never hide past crimes. Concealment = immediate rejection for false declaration.
• Show reflection and rehabilitation. Demonstrating current adaptation to society is key.
• Wait before reapplying. If recent, wait several years before trying again.

Summary (Chapter 3)

Having a minor criminal record is a significant factor that cannot be ignored in naturalization examinations.

• One-time minor offense → Approval may be possible with the passage of time and proof of rehabilitation
• Multiple minor offenses → Violates the good conduct requirement, creating a high risk of rejection
• Concealment is absolutely unacceptable → Honest disclosure and evidence of rehabilitation are essential

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Chapter 4｜Approval and Rejection Standards for Violations or Criminal Records

Violations or minor crimes do not automatically mean rejection.
The Bureau evaluates the case comprehensively: nature, frequency, timing, and rehabilitation.

1. Main Factors

The main factors considered in naturalization examinations are generally as follows:

Factor	Content	Impact
Seriousness of violation/crime	e.g., drunk driving, theft	The more serious, the greater the negative
Time elapsed	Recent = very negative 10+ years ago = room for approval	Longer time = more chance of approval
Frequency	One-time mistake = leniency Multiple = “not improved”	Repetition = high rejection risk
Type of punishment	Non-indictment = small impact Fine = medium Imprisonment = major negative	Heavier punishment = harder approval
Lifestyle improvement	Stable job, tax payment, social stability	Rehabilitation record = positive for reapplication

2. Case Examples

Based on practical experience and publicly available trends, the following table summarizes the general guidelines:

Case	Time	Likelihood
One parking violation	3+ years ago	High chance of approval
Multiple minor traffic violations	Within 1–2 years	High rejection risk, should wait
Shoplifting (fine)	10+ years ago	Possible approval if rehabilitated
Assault (fine)	2 years ago	High rejection risk
Drunk driving (fine)	Within 5 years	Likely rejection; approval possible after 7–10 years
Multiple no-license driving	Anytime	Very high rejection risk

3. Interview Focus

The Bureau emphasizes:

• Accuracy of disclosure (records must match applicant’s statements)
• Reflection (“Why did it happen? How have you improved?”)
• Prevention (“I no longer drive” / “I changed my behavior”)
• Stability (continued employment, tax payment, family life)

👉 In other words, the decisive factor in the examination is not merely the existence of a violation record, but how the applicant has acted afterward.

4. Best Timing for Application

If there are violations or criminal records, applying at the wrong time may lead to rejection.

• Minor violations → Wait at least 1–2 years with no further infractions
• Fines → Wait 5+ years before applying
• Suspended sentence → Wait until suspension ends, plus several years

Thus, adopting the strategy of “delaying the application to avoid rejection” can also be effective in practice.

Summary (Chapter 4)

• Examinations are based on a comprehensive assessment of the nature, frequency, timing, and rehabilitation efforts
• Even minor violations can pose a high risk of rejection if repeated recently
• Fines or serious violations may only allow for approval after several years of rehabilitation
• Adjusting the timing of the application is a crucial factor for success

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Chapter 5｜How to Disclose Past Violations or Records (Importance of Honesty)

The most important point is honest and accurate disclosure.
The Bureau checks with police, courts, immigration, and tax offices—so concealment is always discovered. Hiding is the fastest way to rejection.

1. What Must Be Declared

In the naturalization application documents (especially the résumé and the personal and family information forms), applicants are required to provide details of past violations or criminal records. The items that must be declared are as follows:

• Traffic violations (including parking fines)
• Criminal punishments (fines, suspended sentences, etc.)
• Non-indictment cases (often asked at interviews)
• Overseas criminal records

👉 In other words, the idea that “a minor violation does not need to be reported” is dangerous. Even the smallest matters should be disclosed, as full honesty builds trust.

2. Risks of False Declaration

If you conceal a past violation, the following consequences await:

• Immediate rejection upon discovery: Treated as a “false application”
• Impact on future applications: Leaves the impression of being someone who concealed the truth
• In the worst case, criminal liability: Risk of being charged with the crime of making a false official document

In other words, even a small parking violation can jeopardize the entire application if concealed.

3. How to Record

When an administrative scrivener provides support, the declaration details are organized in the following manner:

Item	Example
Date	May 10, 2021
Violation	Parking violation
Penalty	Fine ¥15,000
Afterward	No violations since, clean driving record

👉 By writing it out in such a concrete manner, the Legal Affairs Bureau can more easily evaluate that the applicant has “rehabilitated since then.”

4. Demonstrating Reflection and Improvement

It is desirable not only to honestly disclose past violations or criminal records, but also to show evidence of rehabilitation efforts in documents or during the interview, such as:

• Awareness of prevention: “I now strictly follow traffic rules.”
• Lifestyle improvement: “I have a stable job and live a stable life.”
• Community involvement: “I participate in local activities and volunteer work.”

In this way, conveying that you have overcome past mistakes and adapted to society will help satisfy the Good Conduct Requirement.

Summary (Chapter 5)

• Always disclose violations or criminal records honestly
• Concealment leads to immediate rejection and negatively affects future applications
• Organize the records clearly and demonstrate reflection and improvement
• Honesty and a stable life after rehabilitation are your greatest assets

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Chapter 6｜Possibility of Reapplication and Practical Measures

It is not uncommon to be rejected the first time.
However, naturalization allows reapplication. The key is to treat the first rejection as a step and prepare strategically for the next attempt.

1. Steps After Rejection

Even if your naturalization application is rejected, you can reapply by following the steps below.

Step	Content	Point
Receive rejection notice	Official notification from Bureau	Reason usually brief
Hearing with officer	With scrivener present	Clarify reason and waiting period
Set rehabilitation period	Traffic violations: 1–3 years clean Criminal record: 5+ years	Adjust by case
Prepare reapplication	Improve lifestyle, stable job/taxes, show evidence of rehabilitation	Collect proof

👉 Rejection ≠ impossible. With time and rehabilitation, approval is often achievable.

2. Common Success Cases

Based on past cases, the following are typical examples:

Initial Case	Reason for Rejection	Action Taken	Result
3 violations in 1 year	Poor conduct	3 years clean record	Approved
Shoplifting fine (5 years ago)	Too recent	Waited additional 5 years, stable job	Approved
Drunk driving	Major violation	7+ years clean record + statement	Approved
Assault fine	Social blame	Stable job + family stability	Approved

3. Measures for Reapplication

From the perspective of an administrative scrivener, the following measures should be taken when preparing for reapplication:

• Demonstrate stability in life
  　→ Maintain steady employment, stable income, and complete payment of taxes and social insurance
• Build a record of preventing violations
  　→ If driving, continue a clean record of no accidents and no violations
• Emphasize social connections
  　→ Show participation in community activities, volunteer work, and a stable family life
• Maintain sincerity
  　→ Accept the reasons for rejection honestly and demonstrate concrete improvements

4. Benefits of Consulting an Administrative Scrivener

When there are violations or a criminal record, professional support can be a significant help.

• Provide advice on how to explain matters to the Legal Affairs Bureau officer
• Analyze the reasons for rejection and suggest the appropriate waiting period before reapplication
• Design documents to properly include “evidence of rehabilitation”
• Propose the optimal timing for reapplication based on the client’s life circumstances

👉 An administrative scrivener serves as a partner who works together with you to plan the timing and strategy for reapplication.

Summary (Chapter 6)

• Reapplication is possible even after rejection
• It is important to undergo several years of rehabilitation and build a record of stability and improvement
• There are many successful cases—with time and improvement, approval is achievable
• With the support of an administrative scrivener, you can clearly establish a reapplication strategy

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Conclusion｜Naturalization Is Still Possible with Past Violations—Honesty and Rehabilitation Are Key

For applicants with traffic violations or minor criminal records, the Good Conduct Requirement is often the greatest concern.
Indeed, violations and records are negative factors, especially if repeated or recent.

But what matters most is not the past mistake itself, but whether the applicant has reflected and rehabilitated.

• One minor violation → Approval possible with time and clean record
• Fine or major violation → Approval possible after several years of rehabilitation
• Concealment → Immediate rejection; honesty is essential

Naturalization rejection is not the end. With improvement, stable life, and the right timing, approval is within reach.
If you are concerned about your past record, consulting with a professional scrivener will help minimize risks and guide you toward success.

Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office

If you want to obtain Japanese nationality quickly and securely, or if you feel uncertain about preparing the required documents, please feel free to consult our office in Yodogawa-ku, Osaka.
We handle requests from all over Japan and provide the most suitable support based on our experience with immigration procedures and applications to the Legal Affairs Bureau.

If you wish to proceed with your naturalization application smoothly and with confidence, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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