Ha Tae-kyung Proposes Amendment to Road Traffic Act to Punish Passengers Aiding Drunk Driving

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] On the 5th, Ha Tae-kyung, a member of the People Power Party, introduced a bill to amend the Road Traffic Act to punish passengers who ride in a drunk driving vehicle as accomplices.

This amendment clearly defines the act of riding as a passenger in a drunk driving vehicle driven by a person who has consumed alcohol as aiding and abetting, thereby providing a clear basis for punishment.

Under current law, there are no separate provisions regarding passengers in drunk driving vehicles, resulting in insufficient punishment. Although Article 32 of the Criminal Act can be applied to impose fines up to 5 million won or imprisonment up to 1 year and 6 months, it is difficult to prove active instigation or assistance such as handing over car keys or encouraging drunk driving, so most punishments are lenient.

Rep. Ha pointed out, "People who drink together cannot be unaware that the driver will drive under the influence," and added, "Riding in a drunk driving vehicle itself is aiding and abetting a murderous act."

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