There's been a notable increase in the number of foreign drivers in Japan refusing or unable to switch their foreign driving licenses. This issue has morphed into a topic of national concern due to potential increases in traffic accidents and violations. Authorities are grappling to understand why the conversions are not happening and are seeking ways to ensure all foreign drivers on Japanese roads are held to the same driving standards as local drivers.

Japanese society highly values order and safety on public roads. There's an increasing focus on this issue due to the uptick in the number of foreigners residing in Japan, and consequently, foreign drivers. Legally, after a certain period of living in Japan, foreigners must convert their overseas license into a Japanese one. Many, however, are not doing so, causing concerns about potential traffic violations and accidents.

In the US or EU, transferring an overseas license to a local one can also be required depending on the length of stay and country of origin of the license. Handling of these issues varies considerably between states or countries within the EU. However, infrastructure facilities and authorities have strategies in place to ensure smooth and proper conversions of licenses.