First Week of 'Red Right Turn, Temporary Stop' Traffic Rule Enforcement... Still 'Speeding'

Widespread Vehicles Ignoring Right-Turn Traffic Lights
"Active On-Site Promotion Needed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] Around 8 a.m. on the morning of the first workday after the Lunar New Year holiday, at the intersection near Gongdeok Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Although a stop is now mandatory even when turning right on a red light, drivers only slowed down slightly and continued turning right. On the right-turn lane toward Mapo Station, four vehicles naturally followed one another in turning right. Kim (27), whom we met on the way to work, said, "This is the first time I’ve heard that right turns have been strengthened, but looking at the cars, I have no idea what has been strengthened," tilting his head in confusion.

Confusion continued even at locations where right-turn traffic signals were installed. Around 9 a.m. on the 27th, at the only right-turn signal intersection in Seoul, the Shinsangdo Elementary School intersection in Dongjak-gu, less than half of the drivers complied with the signal when turning right. Even bus drivers turned right immediately when the right-turn signal was red, as long as there were no pedestrians on the crosswalk. Park (42), the owner of a restaurant near the right-turn signal, said, "Since I work here, I try to follow the rules. But looking at the passing cars, many just go through as if they don’t know or don’t care."

At around 8 a.m. on the 25th, at the intersection near Gongdeok Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul, from this day forward, vehicles are required to come to a complete stop before making a right turn when the traffic light is red. However, vehicles continued to turn right, only slowing down slightly without any hesitation.
Photo by Tae-won Choi skking@

During the first week after the enforcement of the revised Road Traffic Act, which strengthens right-turn regulations, drivers appeared to have difficulty understanding and adapting to the changes.

According to the revised Road Traffic Act Enforcement Rules, effective from the 22nd, when the front vehicle signal is red, drivers must stop at the stop line. Then, if there are no pedestrians on the crosswalk ahead, they may turn right; if pedestrians are present, they may proceed only after the crossing is complete. When the front vehicle signal is green, drivers may turn right slowly so as not to disrupt traffic flow. Violations result in fines of 60,000 KRW for passenger cars and 70,000 KRW for buses. The police will conduct a three-month guidance period until April 21, after which strict enforcement will begin.

Right-turn signals are installed and being pilot-operated at 15 locations nationwide. Plans for additional installations will be decided through discussions between local governments and the police after the pilot operation ends.

Currently, pilot operations are underway at one location in Seoul (Shinsangdo Elementary School intersection in Dongjak-gu), two locations in Busan (Yeongseon Fire Station intersection in Yeongdo-gu, Busan Bank Yeonseo Branch in Yeonje-gu), four locations in Incheon (Juan intersection in Michuhol-gu, Sinchon Elementary School in Bupyeong-gu, Baegun Overpass in Bupyeong-gu, Dongsu Underpass in Bupyeong-gu), two locations in Daejeon (Jageunnae Waterfront Park in Wonsinhung-dong, Yongsone intersection in Seo-gu), one location in Ulsan (Saeteo Samgeori in Nam-gu), three locations in Gyeonggi Province (Songnae Station in Bucheon, Seongdae Station intersection in Suwon, Gaun District Entrance intersection in Namyangju), and two locations in Gangwon Province (Chunil Methodist Church intersection in Chuncheon, Neulpum intersection in Wonju).

Many drivers seemed not to have fully understood the revised regulations. A significant number of drivers did not stop before turning right at a red light in front of the crosswalk. Vehicles turning right before pedestrians had completely left the crosswalk without stopping were easily found. There were also many who ignored the right-turn signal and turned right immediately after the pedestrian signal turned red.

At around 9:20 a.m. on the 27th, at the right-turn traffic light under trial operation at Shinsangdo Elementary School Intersection in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, drivers are lining up to make right turns despite the red right-turn signal.
Photo by Tae-won Choi skking@

Citizens expressed disappointment over insufficient publicity. Kim (59), a caf? manager near Hongdae Entrance Station, said, “I knew it changed last year, but this is the first time I’ve heard it changed again. It’s very confusing what exactly is changing. If you change something, shouldn’t you inform people properly?” Pharmacist Kim (58), who works near Shinsangdo Elementary School, said, “I know the right-turn signal exists, but I haven’t heard why it was installed or what law changed.”

Experts recommend that the police actively promote and guide drivers on-site during the guidance period, as well as conduct nationwide publicity. Professor Choi Jaewon of the Korea Road Traffic Authority said, “During the three-month guidance period, it’s better to deploy traffic police intensively so they can explain the rules to drivers. After the guidance period ends, fines will be issued immediately,” emphasizing the need for on-site promotion.

Professor Park Muhyuk of the Korea Road Traffic Authority also said, “Some people don’t watch the news, and it’s difficult to fully understand the regulations through news alone. It’s effective for traffic police to be out on-site during the guidance period to actively explain the revised parts.”