Police to Crack Down on Illegal Right Turn Stops Starting from the 22nd of This Month

The National Police Agency announced on the 20th that it will begin full-scale crackdowns on violations of the stop-before-right-turn rule starting from the 22nd of this month. This measure follows the end of the three-month grace period for the enforcement of the Road Traffic Act regulations mandating a stop before making a right turn at a red traffic light.

On the first day of the enforcement of the Road Traffic Act amendment, which strengthened the obligation to protect pedestrians such as stopping temporarily in front of crosswalks, a right-turning vehicle is stopped on the road near Seoul Station on the 12th. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

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According to the revised Road Traffic Act regulations, vehicles must come to a complete stop at the stop line or crosswalk before making a right turn at a red light, regardless of whether pedestrians are present. If there are pedestrians crossing or intending to cross the crosswalk while making a right turn, the vehicle must stop.

The National Police Agency operated a three-month public awareness period to minimize confusion on the ground after the intersection right-turn regulations were revised twice, in July last year and January this year.

An official from the National Police Agency stated, "Since the revised law was implemented last year, drivers have become more cautious about making right turns at intersections, and instances of threatening pedestrians crossing the crosswalk have significantly decreased. We will strengthen enforcement starting with violations that pose direct risks to pedestrians to establish a traffic culture that prioritizes pedestrian safety."

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