The possibility of raising the long-frozen fines for ‘traffic violations and seatbelt non-use’ increases after 30 years.

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Review of Increasing Traffic Violation Fines for Enhanced Traffic Safety

The possibility of raising fines for traffic violations in South Korea is becoming more likely for the first time in 30 years.

On the 11th, SBS Biz reported that the Korea Expressway Corporation has commenced a serious review by commissioning a study on improving laws and regulations for increasing traffic fines.

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According to the report, the Korea Expressway Corporation commissioned this study on the 30th of last month, aiming to reduce the traffic accident mortality rate to 1.08 per billion kilometers by 2028, with securing national safety as a primary goal.

National Safety Assurance

Notably, despite the domestic GDP and income levels having increased more than twofold over the past 30 years since 1995, traffic fines have remained unchanged, which has formed the basis for this review.

The expressway corporation also explained that the current traffic fines imposed for violations such as red light running or seatbelt non-use are relatively low compared to those in other developed countries like Japan and the United States, which is another reason for the review of fines.

Expected Effects of Fine Increases and Public Opinion Gathering

This study will predict the effects of increasing traffic fines and examine which fines should be prioritized for increases.

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The Korea Expressway Corporation plans to conduct a public survey to gather opinions from citizens regarding the increase in fines.

Although the authority to impose traffic fines resides with the police, the expressway corporation has decided to take the lead in this study as a key institution related to traffic safety.

Based on the study's results, the corporation also plans to propose directions for amending relevant laws such as the Road Traffic Act.

As of yesterday (the 11th), the bidding for research institutions to participate in the study has closed, and the final results are expected to be delivered by October next year.

Image source: Photo = Insight, supplementary material for understanding the article / Photo = Insight

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