Who has the authority to suspend or revoke driving privileges?

The authority to suspend or revoke driving privileges within the context of the Japanese Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) primarily lies with the Marine Corps Base (MCB) traffic court magistrate and commanding officers. These individuals are designated to enforce military regulations and ensure compliance with traffic laws on base and in the local community.

By having this authority, they can make determinations based on violations or infractions that may occur regarding driving conduct, thereby maintaining order and safety within the military community and in accordance with local laws. This structured approach allows military personnel to operate under a system that ensures standards are upheld while also respecting the jurisdictional boundaries set forth in the SOFA.

In contrast, other options do not hold the same level of authority. Any military personnel may not have the requisite jurisdiction or the official capacity to make such legal determinations. Local Japanese law enforcement operates under their legal framework and may interact with military personnel, but the control over military driving privileges is retained by the military leadership. The Secretary of Defense primarily operates at a higher level with broader responsibilities and does not engage in day-to-day administrative decisions regarding driving privileges for individuals on military installations.