In the wake of BTS member SUGA‘s recent DUI incident, South Korean lawmakers are advocating for significant changes to the country’s Road Traffic Act. These proposals aim to impose stricter penalties on individuals who operate personal mobility devices, such as electric scooters, under the influence of alcohol. The suggested changes come after the highly publicized case involving SUGA, which has sparked a national conversation about the adequacy of current traffic laws.

Proposed Fines and Law Revisions Following SUGA’s DUI Incident

On August 22, 2024, several members of the Democratic Party of Korea put forward a series of amendments to the Road Traffic Act. These amendments specifically target the regulation of personal mobility devices in light of SUGA’s DUI case, which has highlighted perceived loopholes in the existing legal framework.

Lee Chun Seok, a prominent representative of the Democratic Party, has proposed increasing the fine for operating an electric scooter without a proper license to 1 million KRW. Currently, the penalty stands at 300,000 KRW. Lee emphasized the need for stricter penalties to enhance public awareness of the risks associated with operating personal mobility devices while intoxicated. He stated, “A harsher punishment is necessary to raise awareness of the risks.”

Lim Ho Seon, another Democratic Party lawmaker, has suggested a more comprehensive amendment to the Road Traffic Act. His proposal seeks to equate the offense of driving a personal mobility device while under the influence of alcohol with that of driving a car while intoxicated. The amendment would impose a 20 million KRW fine or a five-year prison sentence on those caught driving electric scooters while intoxicated. Additionally, Lim has proposed reducing the maximum legal speed for these devices to under 20 km/h to further enhance safety on the roads.

Currently, the law imposes a fine of up to 200,000 KRW for drunk driving personal mobility devices, along with the possibility of detention or a penalty surcharge. In contrast, automobile drivers caught driving under the influence face far more severe penalties, including a minimum one-year prison sentence or a fine of up to 5 million KRW. Depending on the blood alcohol content, these penalties can increase to two to five years in prison or fines ranging from 10 to 20 million KRW.

Additional Proposals Targeting Personal Mobility Device Regulations

The push for stricter regulations doesn’t end with higher fines. Lee Byeong Jin, another representative of the Democratic Party, has introduced a bill that would require businesses renting out personal mobility devices to verify that customers hold valid driver’s licenses. Lee has called for a fine of up to 5 million KRW for companies that fail to adhere to this requirement. He highlighted the frequent issue of unlicensed underage teenagers operating electric scooters and kickboards without a proper understanding of road traffic laws, emphasizing the need for tighter controls.

These proposed changes reflect a broader effort by South Korean lawmakers to address the growing concerns surrounding the use of personal mobility devices. As these devices become increasingly popular, especially in urban areas, incidents like SUGA’s DUI case have brought to light the potential dangers they pose when used irresponsibly.

Ongoing Investigation and Potential Impact on SUGA’s Case

Meanwhile, the investigation into SUGA’s DUI incident is still ongoing. SUGA is expected to be summoned by the police for further questioning soon. The outcome of this case could potentially influence the direction of the proposed legislative changes, as lawmakers and the public alike await the findings of the investigation.

The proposals put forth by the Democratic Party signal a significant shift in South Korea’s approach to regulating personal mobility devices, particularly in relation to drunk driving. If enacted, these changes could lead to much harsher penalties for those who operate electric scooters and similar devices while intoxicated, potentially setting a new standard for road safety in the country.

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