South Korea 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) / KOTSA
Last Updated: February 1, 2026
Summary
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.
Key Changes
Stricter DUI Penalties and Enhanced Enforcement
Effective January 1, 2026
0.03% BAC license suspension, 0.08% criminal
License suspension at 0.03% BAC; criminal charges at 0.08% BAC with fines up to KRW 10 million or 1 year imprisonment
Enhanced penalties at all levels
Criminal 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
Official Source: Korean National Police Agency
Instructor's Tip
“South Korea continues toughening DUI laws following the Yoon Chang-ho Act. Repeat offenders within 10 years face mandatory imprisonment - no more suspended sentences. A third DUI can result in vehicle forfeiture. The 0.03% BAC threshold for license suspension remains one of the world's strictest.”
Level 4 Autonomous Driving Regulations
Effective July 1, 2026
Limited AV testing permits
Autonomous vehicles operated under temporary testing permits with safety drivers required at all times
Level 4 AV commercial framework
Commercial 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
Official Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
Instructor's Tip
“South Korea is among the first countries to allow Level 4 autonomous vehicles without a safety driver. Initially limited to designated areas like Sejong City and parts of Seoul. The vehicle manufacturer bears liability during autonomous operation. Know the difference between Level 3 (driver backup) and Level 4 (no driver needed in area).”
Expanded School Zone Speed Camera Enforcement
Effective March 1, 2026
30 km/h school zones with limited cameras
School zones (eorini boho guyeok) had 30 km/h limit but camera enforcement was inconsistent
Universal camera coverage in school zones
All 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
Official Source: KOTSA Road Safety
Instructor's Tip
“Following the Minsik Act, school zone enforcement is now universal. Every school zone will have speed cameras and parking enforcement. Fines are doubled and penalty points tripled compared to regular roads. Always slow to 30 km/h when you see the yellow school zone signs.”
Advanced Vehicle Safety System Requirements
Effective January 1, 2026
Basic safety features required
AEB and lane departure warning required on new passenger vehicles
Expanded ADAS requirements
All new vehicles must include AEB with pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention monitoring system
Official Source: Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute
Instructor's Tip
“Korea is expanding mandatory safety features beyond AEB. New vehicles must now include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention monitoring. Know what these systems do for your driving test - they assist but don't replace safe driving habits.”
Changes by Category
🚗Speed Limits(1)
Expanded School Zone Speed Camera Enforcement
Effective March 1, 2026
30 km/h school zones with limited cameras
School zones (eorini boho guyeok) had 30 km/h limit but camera enforcement was inconsistent
Universal camera coverage in school zones
All 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
Official Source: KOTSA Road Safety
⚠️Penalties & Fines(1)
Stricter DUI Penalties and Enhanced Enforcement
Effective January 1, 2026
0.03% BAC license suspension, 0.08% criminal
License suspension at 0.03% BAC; criminal charges at 0.08% BAC with fines up to KRW 10 million or 1 year imprisonment
Enhanced penalties at all levels
Criminal 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
Official Source: Korean National Police Agency
🔧Vehicle Equipment(1)
Advanced Vehicle Safety System Requirements
Effective January 1, 2026
Basic safety features required
AEB and lane departure warning required on new passenger vehicles
Expanded ADAS requirements
All new vehicles must include AEB with pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention monitoring system
Official Source: Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute
📋Licensing(1)
Level 4 Autonomous Driving Regulations
Effective July 1, 2026
Limited AV testing permits
Autonomous vehicles operated under temporary testing permits with safety drivers required at all times
Level 4 AV commercial framework
Commercial 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
Official Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
Instructor Tips
Re: Stricter DUI Penalties and Enhanced Enforcement
Instructor's Tip
“South Korea continues toughening DUI laws following the Yoon Chang-ho Act. Repeat offenders within 10 years face mandatory imprisonment - no more suspended sentences. A third DUI can result in vehicle forfeiture. The 0.03% BAC threshold for license suspension remains one of the world's strictest.”
Re: Level 4 Autonomous Driving Regulations
Instructor's Tip
“South Korea is among the first countries to allow Level 4 autonomous vehicles without a safety driver. Initially limited to designated areas like Sejong City and parts of Seoul. The vehicle manufacturer bears liability during autonomous operation. Know the difference between Level 3 (driver backup) and Level 4 (no driver needed in area).”
Re: Expanded School Zone Speed Camera Enforcement
Instructor's Tip
“Following the Minsik Act, school zone enforcement is now universal. Every school zone will have speed cameras and parking enforcement. Fines are doubled and penalty points tripled compared to regular roads. Always slow to 30 km/h when you see the yellow school zone signs.”
Re: Advanced Vehicle Safety System Requirements
Instructor's Tip
“Korea is expanding mandatory safety features beyond AEB. New vehicles must now include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention monitoring. Know what these systems do for your driving test - they assist but don't replace safe driving habits.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the DUI penalties in South Korea in 2026?
Are self-driving cars legal in South Korea?
What are the school zone rules in South Korea?
What new safety features are required on Korean vehicles?
Sources & Methodology
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: 2026-02-01
Primary Sources:
- Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) / KOTSA — Official regulatory body
- Korean National Police Agency — Stricter DUI Penalties and Enhanced Enforcement
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport — Level 4 Autonomous Driving Regulations
- KOTSA Road Safety — Expanded School Zone Speed Camera Enforcement
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