Oct. 3, 2008
Q: I am a Status of Forces Agreement sponsored civilian working at Yokosuka. I currently have a car and a motorcycle registered in my name at Commander Fleet Activities, Yokosuka (CFAY) Vehicle Registration Office (VRO). I was able to register two vehicles up until an unforeseen change in dependency. This year when I paid my annual road tax and went to obtain my 2008 decals from VRO, I was informed by the clerk that I would not be given decals until I deregistered one of my vehicles. Furthermore, I was informed that there was no instrument in place for granting waivers. I live off base were I have parking that has been verified by the Japanese Police and is ample for both vehicles. The car is a luxury that I find hard to live without. The motorcycle is my hobby. I am an active member of Harley Owners Group Japan (HOG). We frequently go on group rides around Japan. We conduct rider safety seminars and act as ambassadors toward other riders in Japan. Up until recently, I averaged 1,000 km per month on my motorcycle. I submitted a waiver letter to CFAY. My request was disapproved out of “fairness to the Yokosuka community.” I submitted a letter for re-consideration to the CFAY Command Master Chief. He said that it sounded like I had a good case. That letter was sent directly to Walter “Lucky” Hawkins. I went to see him concerning my request where he informed me that “an exception to the number of vehicles registered policy will be granted to Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider coaches. You can submit for an exception to the policy for two additional vehicles.” I left his office and returned with an approved request for inclusion in the rider coach program. That is when Hawkins informed me that I would need to take 20 days off from work without pay, obtain cost Temporary Assigned Duty orders to Yokohama North Pier for training, provide a motorcycle for the training and pay for the training. Furthermore, given that I pass the course I would need to make myself available to teach each quarter, during working hours Monday through Friday, as a volunteer. If asked to teach, I would need to make myself available, or be disqualified. It is a requirement that all riders attend refresher training every three years. This will not be possible without MSF Instructors. I am a single father and simply can not afford to take off work for this training. If I de-register either vehicle, they are going just sit in the same place where they are now. They are my personal property; and I have worked hard for many years to be able and afford them. In closing, I am curious, does VRO and the CFAY Security Officer answer to Hawkins?

A: Thank you for desiring to become a Rider Coach. Unfortunately, you cannot fulfill the requirements of the position because you cannot take the time off needed to fulfill training requirements, or to stay designated as an active Rider Coach. Also, base policies concerning vehicle registration and traffic codes are published in COMFLEACTSINST 5800.2F, which have been fairly enforced in denying your request to register more than one vehicle in your specific case. And, in response to your closing question, the Vehicle Registration Office, CFAY Security Officer and Mr. Hawkins work for Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka.