Special Amnesty for Driver’s Licenses on 80th Liberation Anniversary... 28,000 in Daegu to Benefit

The Daegu Police Agency announced on August 13 that, in line with the government’s special pardon to mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation, it will implement the "2025 Liberation Day Special Administrative Relief for Driver’s Licenses" for 28,012 drivers residing in Daegu (out of 823,497 nationwide), starting at midnight on August 15.

Daegu Police Agency logo. Photo by Byunggun Kwon

원본보기 아이콘

This special relief aims to support the early return to economic activities for low-income individuals and livelihood drivers who are facing financial difficulties due to administrative sanctions such as suspension, cancellation, or disqualification of their driver’s licenses, thereby contributing to the recovery of everyday life.

◆ Complete Removal of Penalty Points, Suspensions, and Disqualifications... 14 Major Violations Excluded from Relief

The applicable period is one year, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. In Daegu, those eligible for relief include: ▲22,292 individuals for penalty point removal ▲86 individuals for suspension/cancellation execution halt ▲5,634 individuals for disqualification removal.

All penalty points will be deleted, those with suspended or cancelled licenses will be allowed to drive again starting at midnight on the 15th, and those previously disqualified can immediately apply for the license exam. However, 14 major violations that are subject to significant public criticism are excluded from this relief.

These exclusions include: drunk driving, traffic accidents resulting in death, drug-impaired driving, hit-and-run, crimes or theft using a vehicle, assaulting police officers during enforcement, obtaining a license through false or fraudulent means, reckless or retaliatory driving, driving without a license, failure to fulfill child support obligations, excessive speeding (over 80 km/h above the limit), violations in protected zones, and any previous relief granted within the past three years.

Eligibility can be checked online or via the call center. Individuals whose suspension or cancellation has been revoked will be notified individually by mail, but those eligible for penalty point removal or disqualification relief must check for themselves.

Verification through the National Police Agency’s "Traffic Civil Service 24" website or by calling the 182 Police Civil Service Call Center (weekdays 9:00-18:00) is required.

Those whose license suspension or cancellation has been lifted can collect their licenses at their local police station from August 11, but actual driving is only permitted after midnight on the 15th.

Additionally, those exempted from license cancellation or from suspension due to joint dangerous acts or causing traffic accidents must complete six hours of traffic safety education at the Korea Road Traffic Authority by September 15.

Commissioner Lee Seunghyeop stated, "We hope this special relief will help livelihood drivers recover economically," adding, "However, we will respond strictly to major legal violations that threaten public safety."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.