Habitual drunk drivers can't start their cars after drinking... ignition interlock devices now mandatory
A conditional license system requiring 'ignition interlock devices' for habitual drunk drivers will launch next October. According to the National Police Agency's '2026 Updated Road Traffic Act,' anyone caught drunk driving twice within 5 years must install this device to get their license back after their 2-year disqualification period. The device completely blocks the ignition if alcohol is detected. It costs about 3 million KRW (~$2,200), but the police are working with KoROAD to potentially offer rentals. Driving without one? You're looking at up to a year in jail or a 3 million KRW fine, plus license revocation. If you get caught having someone else blow into it for you? That's up to 3 years in prison or a 30 million KRW fine.
Penalties for 'drugged driving' are also getting beefed up. Getting caught driving while high on psychotropic drugs like Propofol or Zolpidem can land you up to 5 years in prison or a 20 million KRW fine. Plus, a new clause says refusing a drug test carries the same penalty: up to 5 years or 20 million KRW.
Getting a Class 1 license is getting stricter. Previously, Class 2 holders could upgrade to Class 1 with just a physical exam if they had 7 years of accident-free driving. From next year, you'll need to prove actual driving experience through insurance records or similar documents. Also, the license renewal period is changing from a calendar year system (Jan 1–Dec 31) to a 6-month window based on your actual birthday.
"People think the law is still too soft and want first-time offenders to be nuked from the roads for a decade."
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