Everyone in a car must now buckle up. That is one of a number of revisions to traffic regulations that just went into effect. Here’s Mike Laidman with the details.

It isn’t at all uncommon for passengers in the back seats of vehicles to not use their seatbelts.

But currently, only the driver and passengers in the front seat have been subject to fines should they not wear theirs.

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Seatbelts now mandatory for drivers/all passengers

However, according to the recently revised Traffic Laws that took effect September 28, all those within a vehicle on all of Korea's roads must be wearing a seatbelt whenever their vehicle is in motion.


The driver will be fined 30,000 won if any of their passengers violates the new law.

The fine will jump to 60,000 won if the passenger is 13 or younger, or if a child of 6 or younger is not in a car seat.


INTERVIEW
Oh Im-gwan / Jeju Provincial Police
All car occupants must now buckle up on all Korean roads. Drivers will be fined 30,000 won if any passenger violates this rule.
<인터뷰 : 오임관/ 제주지방경찰청 안전계장>
"오늘부터는 모든 차량에 모든 좌석에 탑승할 때 반드시 안전띠를 매야합니다. 안전띠를 매지 않으면 운전자에게 3만 원의 과태료를 부과하게 됩니다."

Additionally, taxis and buses are not exempt from the law, except for city buses, where wearing a seatbelt is still not mandatory.

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Taxi, bus drivers immune to fines if passengers alerted

If a taxi or bus driver tells their passengers to put on their seatbelt, they are then immune to the fines.

There have also been some changes to parking on hills.

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New safety measures required for hill parking

Drivers are required to put their hand brake on, turn their wheels to the curb, and also place a block in front of or behind a tire.


If these measures are not undertaken, a fine of 40,000 won will be given.


The revision also includes safety rules about riding bicycles.

Police are now able to stop cyclists and give them a breathalyser test.

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New rules for cyclists


If a cyclists blood alcohol content is found to be 0.05 percent or more, they will be fined 30,000 won - the same as car drivers.

If a cyclist refuses the breathalyser test, a 100,000 won fine will be given.


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Helmets mandatory for everyone on bicycles

While there is currently no penalty, helmets are now mandatory for anyone on a bike.

[Reporter] Mike Laidman
[Camera] Hyeon Gwang-hoon

If someone fails to pay a fine for too long, they will be unable to receive an international driver’s license.

Mike Laidman, KCTV