Smoking Cigarettes at Gas Stations Can Result in a Fine of Up to 5 Million Won

Amendment Effective from July 31
Strict Penalties for Smoking in Hazardous Material Storage Areas

From now on, smoking in prohibited areas such as gas stations will result in a fine of up to 5 million won. On the 13th, the Fire Agency announced that the "Hazardous Materials Safety Control Act," which includes this provision, was recently amended. Accordingly, special caution is urged not only for those involved in hazardous material storage and handling facilities such as gas stations but also for users.

Last year, a video of a man in his 20s, Mr. A, lighting a cigarette at a self-service gas station went viral, sparking controversy. [Image source=JTBC Incident Report]

The existing Enforcement Rules of the Hazardous Materials Safety Control Act only prohibited the use of lighters inside gas stations but did not ban smoking itself, which was a limitation. In other words, there has been ongoing criticism that there was insufficient legal basis to prevent the extremely dangerous act of smoking while refueling.

In this regard, last year, videos showing drivers smoking while refueling at self-service gas stations spread on YouTube and other platforms, sparking controversy. Exposure of flames to gasoline vapors can potentially lead to large-scale fires or explosions.

The amendment includes a provision banning smoking in places where hazardous materials are stored or used, such as gas stations. Violators may be fined up to 5 million won. Additionally, facility managers must install no-smoking signs, and the fire station chief is authorized to order corrections if this is violated. This amendment will take effect on July 31.

Im Wonseop, Director of the Fire Prevention Bureau at the Fire Agency, stated, "This amendment specifically prohibits smoking to prevent accidents at gas stations," and added, "We will widely promote the related information so that those involved with and users of gas stations are well informed."