1. U-turns: Only at Signs

You can only U-turn where you see the blue U-turn sign.

* You must wait until your car reaches the white dashed line. U-turning on a solid white/yellow line is a major violation.

* Follow the text under the sign. Common ones: "On Left Turn" (좌회전 시), "On Red Light" (보행신호 시), or "When U-turn Signal is on."

2. Right Turn on Red: Stop First

If the main light is RED, you must come to a COMPLETE STOP before the crosswalk.

* If a pedestrian is crossing, or even waiting to cross,you must stay stopped until they reach the sidewalk.

* If there is a specific arrow signal for right turns, you must wait for it.

3. School Zones (Yellow Zones)

Strictly 30km/h (some are 20km/h).

* All fines and penalty points are doubled in these zones.

* Cameras trigger even at 1km/h over the limit. Accidents involving children here carry severe criminal penalties (Minsigi Law).

4. Blue Bus Lanes (Bus Only)

* Blue Solid Line: 24-hour bus only lane. Stay out.

* Blue Dashed Line: Restricted hours (usually 07:00–21:00). Outside these hours, cars can enter.

* Automated cameras are everywhere; fines are issued instantly.

5. Highway Lane 1: Passing Only

The leftmost lane (Lane 1) on highways is for passing only.

* Cruising in Lane 1 without passing is a fineable offense. Move to Lane 2 once you've finished overtaking.

6. Zero Tolerance for DUI

0.03% BAC (Blood Alcohol Content). Essentially, one drink puts you over the legal limit.

* Use "Daeri-unjeon" (Designated Driver) services via Kakao T or T-map apps. It is cheap and safer than a criminal record.

7. Dashcams are Everywhere

Almost 99% of cars in Korea have "Blackboxes" (Dashcams).

* Citizens can report your traffic violations via the "Safety Report" (안전신문고) app using their dashcam footage. You will receive the fine in the mail.

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