Traffic Rules, Korea

Following is information on some basic traffic regulations. 

Minimum Driving Age is 18 years of age for cars and 16 for motorcycles

Speed limits:
On ordinary roads:        60km/hr
Roads over 5-lanes:      80km/hr
Motorways:                   30-90km/hr  (see traffic signs for posted speed)
Highways – 4-lanes:      50-100km/hr
Highways – 2-lanes:      48-80km/hrReduce speed by 20% during rain or now. 

Safety belts must be worn by all passengers when the vehicle is in motions. Failure to comply can result in a fine of W30,000. In taxis, it is mandatory to fasten the seat belt if you are sitting in the front seat, but not the back.

Cell phones use is prohibited to drivers unless it’s a ‘hands-free’ set. Failure to comply can result in a fine. 

Bus lanes give priority to public buses during rush hour(s) and can be identified by the painted blue line. Bus lanes are often in the middle of the road and are not confined to the curb lanes. (Note: does this mean that buses will stay inside their lines? Absolutely not.)
Only vehicles carrying 6 or more people are allowed in the bus only lane. Bus-only rules apply from 7:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and 7:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays. Sundays are open.
Highways also have Express Bus-Only lanes. These are generally the far left lane and are in effect from 9:00 to 23:00 every day.

Left turns are generally only allowed if the traffic light shows a left-turn arrow. The same can apply for right turns at some busy intersections; otherwise you can make a right turn on a red light. 

DRIVING TIPS:

1. In Korea, laws are sometimes viewed as goals one strives to achieve as opposed to parameters within which one must operate. This has certainly been true of traffic laws, and you will still see drivers who adhere to this philosophy. However, as a foreign driver, should there be a negative consequence to your following their lead, you are likely to be treated more harshly than a local. (see liability)
2. Traffic etiquette is often based on the ‘might is right’ philosophy, which means that buses and expensive cars regularly disregard traffic rules and even ‘bully’ smaller or less expensive cars.
3. After driving for a while in Korea, one learns that, while not mean or rude, most Korean drivers are quite oblivious of others when they want to change lanes, turn, etc. Most drivers seem to feel that the space on either side of their vehicle belongs to them and to believe that there is no one behind them.
4. Koreans are generally in a hurry and it shows in the driving. It is not unusual for a driver behind a car stopped at a red light or at a pedestrian crossing to toot her/his own impatiently to ‘encourage’ that car to get going regardless of pedestrians or the light.
5. Pedestrian walkways are usually placed a little ways back from the light, so many drivers, in an attempt to gain a fraction of second, will run to be on the traffic light side of the walkway, even if pedestrian have started across. Buses love to do this and consequently often end up blocking part, if not all, of the pedestrian walkway.
6. It is not unusual for motorcycles to drive on the sidewalk as if they were on the road – sometimes more recklessly even since they are in no danger from cars. This is against the law but there is little or no enforcement of the regulation.
7. Driving etiquette is improving all the time, however. One must remember that, despite its modern and prosperous appearance, Korea was completely devastated a little over 50 years and remained a poor country for a generation after that. Driving is a relatively new phenomenon and as we enter the third generation of driving and car ownership of the general public, driving behavior is already similar to that in most large cities around the world.
8. Although you won’t have traffic cops chasing you, there are cameras all over to catch traffic and parking offenders. The police regularly set up speed ‘traps’ and alcohol check points. These are sometimes regular locations, but others are not. The latter are sometimes announced on Korean radio, but not always, and rarely, if ever, in English.
9. If you look in the mirror see a police car with its lights flashing, stay calm. It just means that the car and the officers are on duty. It does not mean you have to pull over.

Drinking and Driving is a serious offense in Korea and the law is more often enforced than not these days.
a. Driving while intoxicated (this means a blood alcohol level of over 0.05%) is punishable by imprisonment of up to 2 years and a fine of up to 3 million won.
b. Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.05-0.35% is punishable by law, and those with over 0.36% are arrested and detained.
c. Anyone who has been caught drinking and driving on 3 previous occasions is automatically detained, regardless of the degree of intoxication.
d. Penalties:
- Drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.05% to 0.09% will have their license suspended for 100 days.
- Those found with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.10% or more than 0.05% when involved in an accident resulting in loss of life will have their license revoked. 
- Drivers who refuse an alcohol level test face cancellation of their license.

Note: There was a time when foreign drivers or those in very expensive cars were just waived on at breathalyzer check point. This is no longer the case. When you reach the officer, you must stop, roll down the window and quickly breathe into the breathalyzer – it takes only a second...if you pass the test.

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