2026 Road Traffic Act Revision: Strengthening Penalties for School Zone Enforcement Cameras

2026 Road Traffic Act Overhaul: Fines of Up to 100 Million Won

Complete Ban on Navigation Alerts for Enforcement Locations

With the full implementation of the revised Road Traffic Act starting January 1, 2026, the practice of using so-called 'Gimppang Navigation' (bread-loaf navigation) to pre-empt the location of enforcement cameras is fundamentally banned. The regulation targets all entities, from navigation service providers to related application developers. A violation incurs a penalty of up to 30 million won per offense; if violations accumulate twice or more, a hefty fine of up to 100 million won can be imposed.

The National Police Agency and the Korea Road Traffic Authority plan to establish dedicated monitoring teams to keep major driver communities, such as Blind and DC Inside, under constant surveillance. If a specific user continuously posts the location of mobile enforcement equipment, an immediate order to delete the information will be issued. If this order is not executed without just cause, a system is in place to claim heavy fines through administrative procedures.

End of ‘Clever’ Driving Culture and Background of Regulations

According to the latest investigation by the Korea Road Traffic Authority, while the accident rate in enforced sections has significantly improved, a side effect of accidents shifting to adjacent roads has been confirmed. This is because drivers have solidified a habit of slamming on the brakes only just before camera installation points and speeding in the remaining sections. To foster spontaneous and consistent safe driving habits, the government has shifted its policy stance to strictly block technical loopholes.

This policy shift is significant in that it does not impose direct penalties on individual drivers. During the National Assembly review, clauses for direct fines on drivers were repealed and adjusted. However, if a violation of the duty to keep eyes on the road is clearly confirmed through dashcam footage displayed on the navigation screen, drivers should note that they are not exempt from crackdowns under existing traffic laws.

Major Strengthening of School Zone Regulations and Changes in Driver’s License Policy

Fines for School Zone Speeding to Increase by Up to 80%

To ensure safety in Child Protection Zones, fines for vehicles exceeding the statutory maximum speed of 30 km/h are being significantly raised. The current fines of 90,000 won for passenger cars and 130,000 won for vans will increase to 170,000 won and 230,000 won, respectively, starting January 1, 2026. This represents an explosive increase of over 80% compared to current levels and is a key measure that targets the fine structure exclusively, without changes to criminal fines.

Furthermore, signal violations or major traffic violations within School Zones will no longer conclude with the mere payment of a small criminal fine. If a violation is confirmed, increased demerit points will be applied, significantly strengthening the standards for license suspension and revocation. In particular, drivers who cause traffic accidents in these zones will face much stricter criteria for license revocation, and the system is being restructured to mandate the completion of Special Traffic Safety Education even if the criminal fine is paid.

Blocking Speeding at the Source via Scientific Enforcement Networks

The government plans to fully expand the installation rate of unmanned enforcement cameras in School Zones nationwide to meet target levels by 2026. Concurrently, the 'Section Enforcement' system, which measures average speeds over a distance rather than instant speed at a specific point, is rapidly expanding to major roads nationwide. This system, which calculates speeding by comparing passage times at entry and exit points, serves as the most potent administrative measure to neutralize navigation speed warning functions.

Practical Driver Response and Precautions Post-2026

Reality of Administrative Relief Procedures for Driver’s License Penalties

With the surge in accumulated demerit points due to speeding and violations, cases of license revocation or suspension are expected to increase. To contest such administrative penalties, one must sequentially file an objection and request an administrative trial. However, it must be clearly recognized that the disqualification period is uniformly determined by related decrees and public notices, meaning discretion to overturn a revocation decision is extremely limited.

Unlike in the past, a history of drunk driving, unlicensed driving, traffic accidents occurring since licensure, and the frequency of general traffic violations serve as the key metrics for determining the level of administrative penalty. The fact that one is a first-time offender or that there was no human or material damage is considered only limitedly during sentencing or fine reduction stages; realistically, it is very difficult to completely overturn a license revocation based solely on these factors.

Proactive Safe Driving Essential Amid Institutional Changes

Unlicensed driving and speeding, including for Personal Mobility Devices (PMs), will be strictly cracked down on as violations of the Road Traffic Act. Existing driving patterns that relied on technical loopholes will now lead directly to massive economic damage. Drivers must completely abandon the habit of relying solely on navigation app warning sounds and make it a mandatory task to pre-emptively understand the road environment of School Zones, where speed limits have been significantly lowered.