Are you aware of the recent changes made to Korea’s traffic laws? According to the National Police Agency, beginning from July 12th, all vehicles that come close to pedestrian crosswalks are required to stop for all crossing pedestrians before proceeding en route. The revision of this traffic law is to ensure and protect the safety of all crossing pedestrians and pedestrians attempting to cross. The following states specific details regarding the recently revised traffic laws for all to bear in mind to follow.



○ Expanding the obligation to pause in front of crosswalks

- Vehicles must temporarily stop when a pedestrian is passing through a crosswalk and when is about to pass.

※ Child Safety Zone (with no traffic light) – When approaching any child safety zones (school zones) without traffic lights, it is required that all vehicles make a stop at pedestrian crosswalks. Please keep in mind that you must come to a complete stop even if no one is crossing.



○ When you make a right turn 

① Red Traffic Light + Green Pedestrian X-ing Light – It is mandatory to stop before making a right turn. You may then proceed in the case of no crossing pedestrians.


② Red Traffic Light + Red Pedestrian X-ing Light – When both traffic lights and pedestrian signal lights are red, vehicles must stop before processing to make a right turn.


③ Green Traffic Light + Green Pedestrian X-ing Light – When both traffic lights and pedestrian signals are green, vehicles must make a stop for crossing and attempting to cross pedestrians. Once they have entirely made it across, vehicles may proceed to make a right turn. If in the case that there are no crossing pedestrians, vehicles may proceed with caution without making a stop.


④ Green Traffic Light + Red Pedestrian X-ing Light – In the case of a red pedestrian signal and green traffic light, vehicles are allowed to make a right turn without stopping.



○ Obligation of pedestrian protection even when passing 'areas other than roads'

Of course, there is a duty to protect pedestrians in areas other than roads, such as in apartment complexes and university campuses. Make sure to slow down and pause.


*Violation of any of the mentioned ‘Pedestrian Protection’ regulations, except the stopping in child safety zones*, will result in being fined 40,000 KRW. (Violations made within safe speed zones will be fined 80,000 KRW)

*Violation of the stopping at crosswalks without traffic lights in child safety zones regulation will result in being fined 60,000 KRW + 10 demerit points.


※ NOTE TO KEEP IN MIND

* When coming into proximity of a pedestrian during any case, all should fully proceed to pass with caution.

* In the case of any pedestrians blocking the way on the street, vehicles should slow down or fully stop.


Through everyone’s striving effort, let us continue to create safer roads and communities!