Right Turn Requires 'Mandatory' Complete Stop... Revised Road Traffic Act Effective from the 12th

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] From now on, drivers must 'unconditionally' come to a complete stop in front of the crosswalk they face after making a right turn at an intersection.

On the 6th, the National Police Agency announced that the revised Road Traffic Act, which strengthens the obligation to protect pedestrians, will be enforced starting from the 12th. The core of the revised Road Traffic Act is to expand the obligation to stop in front of crosswalks not only when pedestrians are 'crossing' but also when they are 'about to cross.' At crosswalks without traffic signals within child protection zones, drivers must stop regardless of whether pedestrians are crossing. Violators will be fined 60,000 KRW (for passenger cars) and receive 10 penalty points.

The new law also expands the number of traffic violations subject to fines to 26. Currently, fines are imposed based on evidence from unmanned traffic enforcement devices or video recordings for 13 traffic violations such as speeding and signal violations. For other violations, even if there are public reports from citizens, processing was difficult without legal grounds. However, the revised law adds items such as illegal U-turns and violations of crossing and reversing prohibitions.

The police, considering that many citizens are still unaware of these changes even though the law enforcement date is approaching, plan to impose fines or penalty points after about a one-month guidance period. During this period, promotional activities using videos, banners, and card news will also be conducted. Additionally, in cooperation with related agencies, they plan to implement measures such as ▲designating and managing pedestrian-priority roads ▲imposing pedestrian protection obligations on drivers even in non-road areas such as apartment complexes ▲and regulations on roundabout traffic methods.

A police official said, "In many countries, including Europe, a culture of strongly protecting pedestrians has already been established, where drivers stop when pedestrians approach or wait at crosswalks to cross," and added, "We hope that the enforcement of this revised Road Traffic Act will serve as an opportunity to establish a culture in Korea where pedestrians have priority over vehicles."