Full Implementation of 'Safe Speed 5030', Triple Fines for Illegal Parking in School Zones... New Police System Changes in the New Year

Strengthening Initial Response to Domestic Violence
Reward for Capturing Perpetrators to Be Realistically Adjusted

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Next year will bring significant changes to the police, including the adjustment of investigative authority, the introduction of a local police system, and the establishment of the National Investigation Headquarters. In addition, traffic policies closely related to citizens' daily lives, as well as responses to domestic violence and missing children, will also undergo considerable changes. Here is a summary of the police system changes in 2021, excluding the 'police reform' aspects.

Nationwide Implementation of Safe Speed 5030 in April... Fines for Parking Violations in School Zones Tripled

The policy that citizens will most strongly feel is the full implementation of 'Safe Speed 5030.' Starting April 17 next year, it will be enforced nationwide, limiting speed limits on roads in residential, commercial, and industrial areas with frequent pedestrian traffic to within 50 km/h on main roads and within 30 km/h on side roads. Following pilot operations in 13 cities nationwide, including Seoul, Daegu, and Busan, traffic fatalities decreased by 41%, and serious injuries dropped by 15%.

From May 11 next year, fines and penalties for parking violations in school zones will increase from twice to three times the current rates on general roads. For passenger cars, the fine will rise from 80,000 KRW to 120,000 KRW. Additionally, from October 21, school zones will be included in no-parking zones, meaning parking in school zones will be generally prohibited.

Regulations on personal mobility devices (PM), such as electric kickboards, which have been subject to much controversy, will be strengthened again. Scheduled for enforcement in May next year, PM operation will require a motorized bicycle or higher driver's license. Practically, youths under 16 years old will be prohibited from operating PMs. Fines will also be imposed for not wearing protective gear and for carrying two or more passengers.

The scope of special exemptions recognized for emergency vehicle drivers will be greatly expanded. Specifically, nine additional exemptions, including signal violations and crossing the center line, will apply only to emergency vehicles such as police, fire, ambulance, and blood supply vehicles under the Road Traffic Act. This is expected to significantly reduce the burden on police officers and firefighters responding to 112 and 119 emergency calls.

Emergency Measures for Domestic Violence 'On-the-Spot Arrest' Codified... Criminal Penalties for Violation of Restraining Orders

With the enforcement of the revised Domestic Violence Punishment Act in January next year, the police's initial response to domestic violence cases will be strengthened. First, the definition of domestic violence crimes will be expanded to include ‘home intrusion, refusal to leave, special property damage, filming using cameras, etc., and violations of the Information and Communications Network Act,’ broadening the scope of police protective measures such as temporary measures and victim protection orders. Also, the type of emergency measures available to responding officers will explicitly include ‘on-the-spot arrest according to the Criminal Procedure Act,’ expanding the basis for strict initial responses, and the obligation to notify victims of their ‘right to request victim protection orders and personal safety measures’ will be mandated.

The effectiveness of restraining orders to prevent further harm will also be enhanced. Previously, restraining orders were only applicable to specific locations such as the victim's residence or workplace, but now ‘victims or family members’ have been added to the scope, allowing restraining orders against specific individuals. Penalties for violating temporary restraining orders have been increased to criminal punishments of up to one year imprisonment or fines up to 10 million KRW, enabling strict responses such as on-the-spot arrests and formal charges against violators.

Introduction of 'Missing Alert Texts'... Increased Rewards for Criminal Apprehension

To encourage citizen reports on missing children, the 'Missing Alert Text' system will be introduced on June 9 next year. In cases of major disappearances involving children, individuals with intellectual disabilities, or dementia patients, missing information will be sent via text messages to local residents, similar to disaster alerts. This is expected to increase the chances of quickly locating missing children and others by boosting reports and tips.

Alongside this, the reward payment standards for contributions to criminal apprehension in general crimes will be raised from the current 30,000 to 300,000 KRW range to 300,000 to 1,000,000 KRW. For crimes with severe damage and significant social impact, such as serial murders and cyberterrorism, rewards will continue to be paid according to detailed standards up to 500 million KRW depending on the type and circumstances of the crime. A police official stated, "Appropriate rewards will be given to citizens who risk their safety to help apprehend criminals, and it is expected that voluntary cooperation from citizens will be further activated."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.