Police Toughen Penalties for Drug-Impaired Driving... New Offense for Refusing Drug Testing Introduced

Road Traffic Laws to Change Next Year

The police announced on December 28 that, due to a sharp increase in cases of driving under the influence of psychotropic substances such as narcotics, propofol, and zolpidem, they have established a new offense for refusing drug testing and raised the penalty standards for drug-impaired driving to imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 20 million won.

The police will also mandatorily revoke the driver's license of those caught driving under the influence of drugs and plan to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement measures.

The conditional license system, which requires drivers who have been caught violating the law more than twice within the past five years to install an "ignition interlock device" that prevents drunk driving on their vehicles after regaining their license following the disqualification period, will be fully implemented starting October next year.

Previously, holders of a Class 2 driver's license could obtain a Class 1 license simply by passing a qualification test if they met the requirement of seven years without an accident. However, starting next year, a Class 1 license will be issued only if the applicant can prove actual driving experience, such as by submitting a certificate of auto insurance, in addition to passing the qualification test.

Reflecting public opinion that complaints related to driver's license renewals are concentrated at the end of the year and that improvements are needed, the calculation standard for the license renewal period will change from a uniform annual basis to a period of six months before and after each individual's birthday.

An official from the National Police Agency stated, "We will strictly crack down on acts that threaten people's lives on the roads, and we will actively work to improve everyday inconveniences experienced by the public."