One Month Since Implementing 'Right Turn, Stop'... Drivers Say, "Has It Changed Again?"

One-Third of Grace Period Passed, Yet Widespread Disregard for Regulations
"Consider Extending Grace Period and Enhancing Guidance Efficiency"

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] Around 7:40 a.m. on the 21st at Shinsangdo Elementary School Intersection in Dongjak-gu, Seoul. It is the only place in Seoul with a right-turn traffic signal, but very few vehicles obeyed the right-turn signal. Most vehicles forced right turns regardless of the signal if no pedestrians were visible. Several vehicles were even seen attempting right turns without following the revised Road Traffic Act that was amended last July. Park (36), who lives near Shinsangdo Elementary School, said, “Many vehicles do not follow traffic regulations,” adding, “I didn’t even know the grace period lasts until two months later, so it would be surprising if a ticket is suddenly issued.”

At around 8:50 a.m. at the Hongdae Entrance Station Intersection in Mapo-gu, Seoul, the situation was not much different. Since the 22nd of last month, vehicles must come to a complete stop even when making a right turn if the vehicle signal is red, but drivers only slowed down and continued turning right. About ten vehicles in the right-turn lane heading toward Seongsan-dong turned right continuously without hesitation despite the red light.

At around 7:40 a.m. on the 21st, at the intersection near Shinsangdo Elementary School in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, where the right-turn traffic light is being piloted, a truck is forcing a right turn despite the red right-turn signal.
Photo by Tae-won Choi skking@

Although a month has passed since the revised Road Traffic Act, which strengthens right-turn regulations, was implemented, drivers do not seem to be fully aware of it. One-third of the originally three-month grace period has passed, but drivers’ awareness has not changed much since the first week of enforcement.

According to the revised Road Traffic Act Enforcement Rules effective from the 22nd of last month, drivers must stop before the stop line when the forward vehicle signal is red. Then, if there are no pedestrians on the crosswalk ahead, they may turn right; if pedestrians are present, they must wait until crossing is complete before proceeding. If the forward vehicle signal is green, drivers may turn right slowly without obstructing traffic flow. Violations result in fines of 60,000 KRW for passenger cars and 70,000 KRW for buses. The police plan to conduct full enforcement after the grace period ends on April 21.

Right-turn traffic signals are installed and being piloted 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).

Even though a month has passed since the grace period began, drivers still do not seem to have fully understood the revised regulations. Many drivers did not stop before the crosswalk when making right turns despite the red vehicle signal. Vehicles turning right before pedestrians had fully crossed the crosswalk were also easily found.

At around 8:50 a.m. on the 21st, at the Hongdae Entrance Station intersection in Mapo-gu, Seoul, a vehicle made a right turn without stopping despite the traffic light ahead being red.
Photo by Taewon Choi skking@

Civilians expressed regret over the frequent changes in regulations and lack of publicity. Kim (56), who works in construction, said, “I know about the regulation change last year, but I’m hearing about the change last month for the first time,” adding, “My habit of turning right is hard to change, so I’ve been fined before, and I only recently learned about the revised regulation, but now it has changed again, which is confusing.” Kim (31), a public official, said, “As a public official, I try to follow the regulations well, but on the road, not many seem to comply,” adding, “Some kind of countermeasure seems necessary.”

In response to this situation, a police official stated, “Many drivers still think the grace period means they don’t have to comply yet,” adding, “The goal during the grace period is not necessarily strict compliance but to inform that the changed law will soon be enforced.” The official further noted, “The regulation changed last July was also not well followed during the grace period, but compliance improved once enforcement began.”

Experts suggested that the grace period should be extended and efforts made to improve its effectiveness. Professor Park Muhyeok of the Korea Road Traffic Authority said, “Changing drivers’ perceptions built over decades regarding right turns is not easy, and drivers need time to internalize the changes,” adding, “If improvement is slow during the grace period, extending it should be considered.” He also explained, “To increase the effectiveness of guidance, active on-site guidance should be focused on areas with frequent accidents or high pedestrian traffic, and more effort should be made to promote the regulations through the media.”