Frequently Asked Questions (Free measures for people who have lived in nuclear accident warning areas, etc., and those whose place of residence has been designated as a specific evacuation recommendation point, and the hometown return pass card required to apply this free measure. about)

To apply this free measure, you will need a special card called ``Furusato Return Card'' which must be applied for in advance. For more information on the "Hometown Return Pass Card", please see here. For more information on "Restricted Areas, etc.", please click here.

1. About free measures for those who have lived in the danger zone of the nuclear power plant accident, etc., and those whose residence has been designated as a specific recommended evacuation point

What is the free measure for those who have lived in a nuclear power plant accident warning area, etc., or whose residence has been set as a specific recommended evacuation area?

法令により、原発事故等の警戒区域等に居住されていた方及び居住地が特定避難勧奨地点の設定を受けた方を対象として、対象ICを入口または出口とする高速道路の走行について無料措置を行うものです。
実施期間は、令和7年3月31日（月）まで延長されました。
（参考）令和6年3月8日プレスリリース
「原発事故による警戒区域等から避難されている方に対する高速道路の無料措置」
～令和7年3月31日まで延長されます～
本無料措置の対象車種は軽自動車等・普通車・中型車で、本無料措置の適用には事前に申込みが必要な「ふるさと帰還通行カード」が必要です。
現在「ふるさと帰還通行カード（緑色）（移動経路に係る証明書をお持ちの方は当該証明書を含みます。）」をお持ちの方は、令和6年4月1日以降も、引き続きお持ちのカードをご利用いただけます。
また、対象となる方のうち、被災時に次の市町村に居住されていた方においては、令和5年11月1日（水）より、上記の対象走行のうち、カード更新時に申請した利用区間の走行に限り対象となりました。

Tamura City, Minamisoma City (areas excluding former restricted areas and difficult-to-return zones), Date City, Kawamata Town, Hirono Town, Naraha Town, Kawauchi Village

For details, please check here.

Click here for details on how to apply for card renewal

Click here for details on new application procedures

At the time of the disaster, I had an address outside the restricted area, etc., but I am currently evacuating voluntarily due to the nuclear accident. Am I eligible for free measures?

This free measure does not apply to people other than those who were living in areas designated by the government at the time of the disaster as those who were not in a nuclear power accident warning area. Please see here for free measures for mother and child evacuees due to the nuclear accident.

What will happen if evacuation order cancellation preparation areas, residential restricted areas, and difficult-to-return areas are newly established due to the review of restricted areas and planned evacuation areas?

Even if a new zone is established, for the time being, those who lived in a restricted zone, etc. at the time of the disaster will be eligible for free accommodation.

Where are the designated evacuation recommended spots?

Specified recommended evacuation sites are those designated by the Director-General of the Local Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters as sites where the annual radiation dose is estimated to exceed 20 millisieverts, but individual specific sites have not been announced. not.

I am evacuating from a municipality where a specific recommended evacuation site has been set, but I do not know whether the residence where I was evacuating from has been set as a specific recommended evacuation site.

When designated as a specific recommended evacuation site, the municipalities will individually notify the households of those residences.

What will happen if the designation of designated evacuation-recommended spots is cancelled?

For the time being, even if the designation of designated designated evacuation recommended areas is canceled, those whose residences have been designated as designated designated designated evacuation areas will be eligible for free measures for the time being.

2. About driving eligible for this free measure

What kind of trips qualify for free measures?

An eligible person is driving or riding along, uses the applicable IC (here) as the entrance or exit, and uses lanes marked "General," "ETC/General," "Support," or "ETC/Support." Running is free.
At the exit toll gate, please declare that you are an evacuee due to the nuclear power plant accident and present your "Hometown Return Passage Card."
Additionally, for those who are issued a "Hometown Return Passage Card" with the usage section written on it, the usage section written on the card (if a certificate is issued, the usage section written on the certificate is also included). ) is eligible for free travel only when entering and exiting the IC.
Please note that you may be required to verify your identity at the tollgate, so please be sure to carry an official ID that can confirm your identity.

When using a "Furusato Return Pass Card" that has a section of use listed on it, is it free if I get on and off the bus halfway through the section of use listed? Also, if I drive beyond the relevant section, do I only have to pay for the section I crossed?

When using a "Furusato Return Card" that has a usage section written on it, please use the IC for the usage section written on the card (if a certificate is issued, this includes the usage section written on the certificate). Only trips with entrances and exits are eligible for free treatment. If you get on or off the train during the applicable section or drive beyond the applicable section, you will be required to pay the fare for the entire section actually traveled.

(If the stated usage section is [Minamisoma ⇔ Sendai Airport])

However, this does not apply if the IC in that section cannot be used due to road closure. Please click here for information on handling during road closures.

What roads and sections are not eligible for free measures?

Yamagata Expressway, Japan Sea Tohoku Expressway (Yudonosan IC~Sakata Minato IC), NEXCO uniform section such as Tokyo Gaikan Expressway, Metropolitan Expressway, etc., Expressway that are not collected together with Tohoku Expressway, Joban Expressway, and Ban-Etsu Expressway are not eligible for free measures.
In addition, driving on NEXCO roads after passing through these roads is not subject to free measures.
(Tohoku Expressway If you travel from Fukushima Nishi IC to Urawa Main Line, and then travel from Oizumi IC to Tokorozawa IC in Kan-Etsu Expressway via Tokyo Gaikan Expressway, Tohoku Expressway Fukushima Nishi IC → Urawa Main Line are subject to free measures, and Tokyo Gaikan Expressway and Kan-Etsu Expressway Oizumi IC→ Tokorozawa IC are not eligible for free measures. ）

Are roads of local road public corporations connecting with NEXCO also subject to free measures?

Sections operated by local road public corporations that collect tolls together with Tohoku Expressway Joban Expressway, Ban-Etsu Expressway, and Banetsu Expressway (such as Miyagi Prefectural Highway Public Corporation's Sendai Matsushima Road) are also eligible for free travel.
Please note that the Ibaraki Prefectural Road Public Corporation's Hitachinaka Toll Road, the Hitachi Toll Road, the Chiba Prefectural Highway Public Corporation's Choshi Connecting Road, the Aomori Prefectural Highway Public Corporation's Daini Michinoku Toll Road, etc. are not eligible for the toll-free measure.

What happens if there is a road closure and I get off Expressway on the way?

At the exit, please present your "Furusato Return Pass Card" and tell the staff that you are an evacuee due to the nuclear accident. In addition to confirming the place of residence, if we can confirm the destination, we will take measures free of charge.
See here for details.

Is there a limit to the types of vehicles (light vehicles, ordinary vehicles, medium-sized vehicles, large vehicles, oversized vehicles)?

Driving by light cars, regular cars, and medium-sized cars is eligible for free travel.
Please note that from April 1, 2020, large and extra-large vehicles will no longer be eligible for free travel, and you will be required to pay the toll even if you present your card.

Is the vehicle subject to the free measure even if I rent a car instead of owning the car?

Eligible.

3． How to apply for the “Hometown Return Pass Card”

How do I apply for the "Furusato Return Pass Card"?

Please fill out the application form for the Hometown Return Card and bring it along with the original of the designated identification documents to the counter of the municipality where you lived at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
For more information on the application process, please click here.

Click here for details on how to apply for card renewal

Click here for details on new application procedures

How can I obtain the application form for the Furusato Return Pass Card?

新規で「ふるさと帰還通行カード」を申込される方へは、利用申込書を弊社から送付いたしますのでNEXCO東日本お客さまセンターあてにご連絡ください。（0570-024-024　又は　03-5308-2424）
「ふるさと帰還通行カード（桃色・令和5年11月1日以降利用できません）」をお持ちの方には、お届けいただいている住所宛てに、カード更新の申請手続きに必要な申込書を、簡易書留にて送付しています。申込書がお手元にない方は、現在お持ちのカードをお手元にご用意の上、NEXCO東日本お客さまセンターあてにご連絡ください。（0570-024-024　又は　03-5308-2424）
詳細については、こちらからご確認ください。

Click here for details on how to apply for card renewal

Click here for details on new application procedures

What identity verification documents are presented at the reception counter of the local government?

Please present either document (1) or (2) below.

1. How to present one or more documents with a face photo
   My number card, driver's license, basic resident registration card with photo, passport, disability certificate, ID card with face photo issued by the national or local government, etc.
2. 1 below. How to raise two points
   1. Documents issued by the national or local governments, such as basic resident registration cards, health insurance cards, or pension handbooks without a photo
3. 1 above. and the following 2. How to present one point at a time
   2. Student ID card, identification card issued by a corporation with a photo, 1. Qualification certificate issued by the national or local government, excluding the documents listed in , with a photograph

As for identity verification documents, it is up to the local government office to which you apply, so please inquire at the local government office to which you are applying about whether or not you can present documents other than the above.

Is it possible to receive it by mail?

If you live far away and it is difficult to apply at the local government office, you can apply by mail. Please note that you will be responsible for the postage costs for mailing to the local government office.

Can I apply by proxy?

Applications can also be made by someone on your behalf.
In the case of a proxy application by a person from the same household as the applicant, the card application form and identity verification documents (original) of all the applicants and the identity verification documents (original) of the person applying on behalf of the applicant are required. It will be required.
It is also possible to apply on behalf of someone other than from the same household, but in that case, in addition to the above, a power of attorney from the person applying is required. There is no specific format for a power of attorney, but please use the example format here.

Can I apply online?

As a general rule, applications must be submitted at the counter, and since it is necessary to attach a photo to the application form and verify your identity by various documents, we do not accept applications over the Internet.

When can I use the "Furusato Return Pass Card"?

You can use it as soon as you receive it.

How long does it take from application to issuance of the Furusato Return Pass Card?

It takes approximately three weeks for both new and renewal applications to be issued. Please note that you will not be eligible for the free service until you receive your "Hometown Return Pass Card".

I applied for it, but I haven't received my Furusato Return Pass Card.

発行状況をお調べしますので、NEXCO東日本お客さまセンターにお問い合わせください。
（0570-024-024　又は　03-5308-2424）

Does the toll gate accept applications for the "Furusato Return Pass Card"?

There is no reception at the toll booth. Also, we do not distribute application forms.

現在「桃色」のふるさと帰還通行カードが手元にありますが、利用できますか？

カードの更新に伴い「ふるさと帰還通行カード（桃色）」は、令和5年11月1日（水）0時以降ご利用いただけなくなりました。現在ご利用いただける「ふるさと帰還通行カード（緑色）」の発行には、東日本大震災発生時に居住されていた自治体窓口での手続きが必要となります。
申請手続きに必要な更新申込書は、「ふるさと帰還通行カード（桃色）」をお持ちの方に簡易書留で送付しておりますが、申込書がお手元にない場合はNEXCO東日本お客さまセンターまでご連絡ください。

現在「緑色」のふるさと帰還通行カードが手元にありますが、令和6年4月1日以降も利用できますか？

「ふるさと帰還通行カード（緑色）（移動経路に係る証明書をお持ちの方は当該証明書を含みます。）」をお持ちの方は、令和6年4月1日以降も、引き続きお持ちのカードをご利用いただけます。

Four. How to pass through tollgates

How to use the "Furusato Return Pass Card"?

At the entrance toll gate, take a toll ticket in the lane marked "General", "ETC/General", "Support", or "ETC/Support", and at the exit toll gate, take the ticket in the lane marked "General" or "ETC/General". Please hand your toll ticket and "Hometown Return Pass Card" to the toll booth attendant in the indicated lane. If the exit toll booth is an unmanned fare adjustment machine, before inserting the "Hometown Return Pass Card", use the staff call button (or lever) to call the staff and follow their instructions. If the exit toll booth is in a lane marked "Support" or "ETC/Support," please use the intercom etc. to inform the staff that you are an evacuee due to the nuclear power plant accident.
Please remove your ETC card when using the lanes marked "ETC/General" and "ETC/Support".
Additionally, for those who are issued a "Hometown Return Passage Card" with the usage section written on it, the usage section written on the card (if a certificate is issued, the usage section written on the certificate is also included). ) is eligible for free travel only when entering and exiting ICs. When using the section written on the certificate, the certificate is also required at the exit toll gate. (Click here for details)

You may be required to verify your identity at the toll gate, so please be sure to carry the original official document that can verify your identity.

What is an official certificate that can verify your identity?

This is a document issued by a public institution, etc., and is not intended to be issued to another person. Specifically, it is the following document.
Driver's license, passport, Basic Resident Registration Card (with photo), Health Insurance Card, Pension Book, Physically Disabled Person's Notebook, Rehabilitation Notebook, Health and Welfare Notebook for Mentally Disabled Persons, Small Boat Operator's License, Sailor's Notebook, Older Senior Citizens Medical insurance card, nursing care insurance card, real estate transaction certificate (former real estate transaction chief certificate), radio operator's license, personal number card with photo (my number card), driving history certificate

Please note that the following documents are invalid as documents that can be verified by the person in question.
Example) Copy of resident card, student ID, Taspo card, utility bill receipt, National Health Insurance/certificate of exemption from medical fees for the elderly, etc.

Will a receipt/certificate of use be issued?

As this free measure is treated as a vehicle for which no toll is collected, no receipt will be issued. However, for those who wish to use the card as proof of use, a handwritten certificate of use will be issued at the toll gate office, etc. Please note that we cannot issue a usage certificate after the fact, so please be sure to apply promptly at the exit toll gate.

If I use ETC, will I be eligible for free treatment?

If you use ETC, you will not be eligible for this free measure. Please use the lanes marked "General," "ETC/General," "Support," or "ETC/Support" for both entrance and exit. Please be sure to obtain a pass at the entrance, and at the exit, please declare that you are an evacuee due to the nuclear power plant accident and present your "Hometown Return Pass Card."
Please note that when driving on mixed lanes marked "ETC/General" or "ETC/Support", if an ETC card is inserted into the on-board device, the vehicle will be traveling under ETC. Please note that even if you insert the "Hometown Return Pass Card" into the ETC on-board device, the card will not be read and an error will occur.

Why can't I use ETC?

This free measure requires that the card user be driving or riding in the vehicle to which the measure applies. If you are using ETC, we will not be able to confirm this, so please use the lanes marked "General", "ETC/General", "Support", or "ETC/Support" (including fare adjustment machines). Masu.

If I end up using ETC, will I be eligible for free treatment if I apply later?

We cannot accept the application of free measures after using ETC at the entrance or refunds after using ETC. Please use the lanes marked "General," "ETC/General," "Support," or "ETC/Support" for both entrance and exit. Please be sure to obtain a pass at the entrance, and at the exit, please declare that you are an evacuee due to the nuclear accident and present your "Hometown Return Pass Card."

Are smart devices eligible for free measures?

Smart IC is an IC that can only be used for ETC driving, so it is not subject to free measures.

Are I eligible for free measures using the ETC tollhouse?

At the ETC tollhouse, you can apply for free measures by using the lane labeled "Support" or "ETC / Support".

I paid the fee because I didn't know how to use this free measure. Can I get a refund?

We cannot accept refunds after payment of toll charges.

If I forget (or do not present) my "Furusato Return Pass Card" (or a certificate showing the section used), can I get a refund if I present it later?

We cannot accept refunds after the toll has been paid. Please be sure to present your "Furusato Return Pass Card" (or a certificate showing the section used) when passing.

Five. Other procedures for the “Hometown Return Card”

I lost, stole, or damaged my "Hometown Return Pass Card" (or a certificate showing the section of travel).

ふるさと帰還通行カード」（又は利用区間が記載された証明書）の再発行をいたしますので、NEXCO東日本お客さまセンターにご連絡ください。
（0570-024-024　又は　03-5308-2424）

I would like to change/add/delete the registered usage sections.

NEXCO東日本お客さまセンターにご連絡ください。（0570-024-024　又は　03-5308-2424）弊社より利用区間変更申込書を送付いたしますので、当該申込書に記入の上、被災時に居住されていた自治体窓口へお申し込みください。なお、利用区間の追加・変更の場合、手続きが完了し、追加・変更後の「ふるさと帰還通行カード」又は利用区間が記載された証明書が発行されるまで、当該区間は利用できません。

There has been a change in the information (name, address, telephone number) that I wrote on the application form.

NEXCO東日本お客さまセンターにご連絡ください。（0570-024-024　又は　03-5308-2424）
お電話で変更内容の受付を行います。

6.Others

Can I use the "Furusato Return Pass Card" as an identification document for procedures at local governments?

The ``Furusato Return Pass Card'' is a card required to receive ``free measures for people who have lived in areas where there is a danger of a nuclear accident.'' It cannot be used as an identification document for various procedures at local governments.

令和7年度以降の無料措置は継続しますか？

原発事故の警戒区域等に居住されていた方・居住地が特定避難勧奨地点の設定を受けた方を対象とした無料措置は、令和7年3月31日までとされており、国から令和7年4月1日以降の取扱いについては示されておりません。

「原発事故による母子避難者等を対象とした無料措置」はカード化の対象とはなりませんか？

「原発事故による母子避難者等を対象とした無料措置」については、現在のところカード化の予定はありません。