RollsRoyceNam Recurrence Prevention... Police Strengthen License Management for 'Drug Offenders'

To prevent incidents like the so-called ‘Rolls-Royce Man,’ the police will include drug offenders in the list of subjects for the driving license occasional aptitude test.

The National Police Agency announced on the 1st that it plans to include defendants charged with drug use offenses in the driving license occasional aptitude test during the first half of this year.

The occasional aptitude test is a system under the Road Traffic Act that assesses safe driving ability for those who have developed disqualifications for a driving license. It includes acquired physical disabilities, dementia, schizophrenia, and mental illnesses such as drug and alcohol addiction. The Road Traffic Authority sends a test notification to the subjects, and if they fail or do not take the test within the designated period, their license is revoked.

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Previously, individuals had to take the occasional aptitude test only if they caused a traffic accident after using drugs, were caught in a crackdown, or received inpatient or outpatient treatment for drug use. However, from now on, even being prosecuted solely for drug use will make one subject to the occasional aptitude test. The evaluation criteria for the occasional aptitude test are strict, with only about 40% of drivers who become subjects regaining their licenses.

This measure is interpreted as an effort to strengthen the driving license requirements for drug offenders following the so-called 'Apgujeong Rolls-Royce' incident, where a person under the influence of drugs drove a car and fatally struck a pedestrian.

With approximately 20,000 drug offenders annually, most of whom are estimated to hold driving licenses, a significant number are expected to undergo the occasional aptitude test. A National Police Agency official explained, "We decided to include individuals at the time of prosecution when there is strong suspicion of guilt in the list of subjects for the occasional aptitude test," adding, "The aptitude judgment committee will use related materials such as medical specialist reports to determine drug addiction and take measures such as license revocation."

Additionally, the police plan to include conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, which have a high likelihood of causing loss of consciousness while driving, in the notification targets for the occasional aptitude test. A National Police Agency official stated, "We plan to identify high-risk groups among those with diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions who may lose consciousness while driving and require them to take the occasional aptitude test," and added, "We intend to actively consult with the medical community and push for related regulatory revisions."