South Korea introduces significant 2026 changes: stricter DUI penalties under the Yoon Chang-ho Act amendments, new autonomous driving regulations for Level 4 vehicles, expanded speed camera enforcement in school zones, and updated vehicle safety requirements.
Penalties & fines
Before
0.03% BAC license suspension, 0.08% criminalLicense suspension at 0.03% BAC; criminal charges at 0.08% BAC with fines up to KRW 10 million or 1 year imprisonment
After (2026)
Enhanced penalties at all levelsCriminal penalties at 0.08% BAC increased to KRW 15 million fine or up to 2 years imprisonment; repeat DUI within 10 years results in mandatory imprisonment; vehicle forfeiture for third offense
Licensing
Before
Limited AV testing permitsAutonomous vehicles operated under temporary testing permits with safety drivers required at all times
After (2026)
Level 4 AV commercial frameworkCommercial deployment of Level 4 autonomous vehicles permitted in designated areas; safety operator not required in vehicle but remote monitoring mandatory; insurance and liability framework established
Speed limits
Before
30 km/h school zones with limited camerasSchool zones (eorini boho guyeok) had 30 km/h limit but camera enforcement was inconsistent
After (2026)
Universal camera coverage in school zonesAll school zones nationwide to have speed cameras and illegal parking detection by March 2026; fines doubled in school zones to KRW 120,000-130,000; penalty points tripled
Vehicle equipment
Before
Basic safety features requiredAEB and lane departure warning required on new passenger vehicles
After (2026)
Expanded ADAS requirementsAll new vehicles must include AEB with pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention monitoring system
South Korea has some of the world's strictest DUI laws. At 0.03% BAC, your license is suspended. At 0.08% BAC, you face criminal penalties of up to KRW 15 million fine or 2 years imprisonment. Repeat DUI within 10 years results in mandatory imprisonment, and a third offense can lead to vehicle forfeiture.
From July 2026, Level 4 autonomous vehicles can operate commercially in designated areas without a safety driver in the vehicle. Remote monitoring is required. Initially this applies to areas like Sejong City and parts of Seoul. The manufacturer bears liability during autonomous operation.
All school zones (eorini boho guyeok) have a 30 km/h speed limit with universal camera enforcement from March 2026. Fines are doubled (KRW 120,000-130,000) and penalty points tripled compared to regular roads. Illegal parking in school zones is also strictly enforced with detection cameras.
From 2026, all new vehicles sold in South Korea must include AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitoring system. These expand on existing AEB and lane departure warning requirements.
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: February 1, 2026Everything you need to pass on your first attempt
