South Korea 2026 Driving Rule Changes

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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

변경 후(2026)

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

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Limited AV testing permits

Autonomous vehicles operated under temporary testing permits with safety drivers required at all times

변경 후(2026)

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

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30 km/h school zones with limited cameras

School zones (eorini boho guyeok) had 30 km/h limit but camera enforcement was inconsistent

변경 후(2026)

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

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Basic safety features required

AEB and lane departure warning required on new passenger vehicles

변경 후(2026)

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