40s Man Arrested for Attempting to Evade Drunk Driving Check Using 'Drunk Jumping' Technique

The Gumi Police Station in Gyeongbuk has arrested a man in his 40s who attempted to evade a drunk driving check by using the so-called 'drunk jumping' technique.

On the 26th, the police announced that they had apprehended Mr. A on charges of obstructing a breathalyzer test.

'Drunk jumping' refers to the act of consuming more alcohol after driving under the influence in order to interfere with accurate blood alcohol concentration measurements. According to the recently strengthened Road Traffic Act, such behavior is subject to severe penalties.

According to police investigations, Mr. A was driving under the influence in the Hyengok-dong area of Gumi around 3:35 AM on the 22nd.

After receiving a report from a citizen who witnessed the incident, Mr. A attempted to evade the police by heading to a nearby convenience store to purchase and consume more alcohol.

During police questioning, Mr. A admitted to having consumed additional alcohol with the intention of avoiding detection for drunk driving.

Strengthened Road Traffic Act: Severe Penalty for 'Drunk Jumping'

The revised Road Traffic Act, which took effect on the 4th, has enhanced penalties for the act of 'drunk jumping.'

According to the law, if a person with reasonable grounds to be recognized as intoxicated consumes additional alcohol after driving a vehicle or bicycle with the intent to obstruct a breathalyzer test, they are subject to imprisonment for not less than one year and not more than five years, or fines ranging from 5 million to 20 million won, even if it is their first offense.

Additionally, violators will face administrative actions that include the revocation of their driver's license. This is applied separately from penalties for drunk driving itself and is a measure aimed at raising awareness against attempts to evade drunk driving checks.

A representative from the Gumi Police Station emphasized that the act of 'drunk jumping' after drunk driving is not a method to avoid penalties but rather a crime that will result in even heavier punishment, urging citizens to cooperate for the establishment of a safe traffic culture.

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