Motor Vehicles

Traffic: Driving in Korea is a challenge that is not advised for the unseasoned driver or faint-hearted traveler. While small in size, Korea has one of the highest accident rates in the world. Some streets and roads are narrow and not easily accessible as people will park where it is convenient but no thought to other drivers.

Accidents: When involved in an accident, U.S. personnel are warned not to surrender their passports, ID cards or other important personal documents.  Insist that the Military Police be called immediately, even if the Korean National Police are at the scene of the accident.

Maintenance: Korea has many toll roads that charge depending on size of vehicle. So think twice about bringing a large car due to the tolls and smaller streets.  Cars  can be purchased locally at reasonable prices. You will also find that cheap "hand-me-downs" are available when personnel PCS to other duty stations.

WHO MAY DRIVE (Updated in September 2019)

The following personnel are authorized to have a POV license in Korea:

•All unaccompanied service members in the grades of E-6 and below

•Unaccompanied DoD civilian employees in the grades of GS-4, WG-4, WL-1, NA-4, CC-2

•And below who are assigned to units on U.S. military installations in Korea and are directed to live off-installation at government expense are authorized to register and operate on POV without having to obtain a written exception to policy as described in USFK Regulation 190-1, paragraph 5-3.a.

Unaccompanied personnel from E-6 and below are not authorized to own and operate privately owned vehicles. Waivers and/or exemptions are covered under USFK Reg 190-1. For more information and details visit the United State Forces Korea website.

Registration Requirements

All accompanied personnel with command sponsored dependents eligible to own and register a POV pursuant to USKF Regulation 190-1, paragraph 3-1.b. are authorized to register and operate up to two POVs without having to obtain a written exception to policy as described in USFK Regulation 190-1. Paragraph 5-3.a.

Personnel must obtain a written exception to policy in order to register a third vehicle, following the procedures outlined in USKF Regulation 190-1, paragraph 5-3.a.

This does not include one motorcycle, moped or motor scooter. For example, eligible personnel may register two POVs and one two-wheeled vehicle.

All personnel are reminded that their operation of a POV on any USKF installation is a privilege and subject to the Rules of the Road as outlined in USKF Regulation 190-2.

Any requests by installation commanders to deviate from this policy must be approved by the first O-7 or higher in the chain of command. The purpose and justification of the change will be reported to the USKF commander in writing.

GETTING A LICENSE

Active-duty military personnel, civilian employees and family members age 18 or older who are planning to drive a POV must get a USFK driver’s license, DoW civilians are issued a five-year license.

Documents needed:

• Valid U.S. driver’s license (renew if necessary before coming to Korea)
• Sponsor’s military orders
• Letter of approval from commander
• Proof of overseas insurance
• Proof of completion of the following JKO trainings
  • USFK-US002: US Forces Korea Driver Licensing Course
  • USFK-US171: USFK Theater Specific Required Training

Learner’s permits may be obtained by family members age 16 and older. They entitle the holder to drive only on military installations while accompanied by a licensed driver during daylight hours.

Chinhae Naval Base Transportation Office Contact information: DSN: 315-763-8416

US Forces personnel in Korea who wish to drive POVs must have a USFK driver's license. Active duty military personnel, civilian employees and family member are required to complete the required Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) courses and submit the two completion certificates to transportation. The link for the JKO courses are listed below. USFK licensed personnel may operate a POV for five years with a stateside valid driver's license. Military personnel are issued a USFK driver's license for five years. Family members age 16 and older may obtain a learner's permit. This is good for driving only during daylight hours on military installation while accompanied by a licensed driver. The USFK driver's license must be carried with you whenever you are driving.

There are two training modules associated with the training. The training module, course number is USFK-US002 (the direct link to the training: https://jkosupport.jten.mil/html/COI.xhtml?course_prefix=USFK&course_number=-US002). The testing module, course number USFK-US002-B (the direct link to the testing: https://jkosupport.jten.mil/html/COI.xhtml?course_prefix=USFK&course_number=-US002-B). The training is a pre-requisite to the test and individuals may not take the test without first completing all the training modules.

Note: Test scores are good for 60 days. Licenses will not be issued to personnel that have taken the test more than 60 days prior to applying for a license.

Local Laws:

• All passengers must wear a seat belt. It is possible to be fined W30,000 won if you fail to comply with this.
• The minimum age for driving in South Korea is 18 years of age for cars. You can be 16 years of age to drive a motorcycle.
• The law requires that children under the age of 6 use a car seat.
• It is advisable to carry all of the correct car insurance documents with you when driving in South Korea.
• It is against the law to drink and drive in South Korea and it is a serious offence. The permissible amount is no more than 0.03% blood alcohol level. 
• There are surveillance cameras everywhere in South Korea. These will record you if you drive above the speed limit.
• Cell phone use while driving is illegal. It is ok to use a hands-free set.
• The following documents should be carried with you at all times when driving in South Korea:
  • A valid driving license
  • A valid USFK Motor Vehicle Operator's Permit
• It is also advised to carry with you:
  • Proof of insurance
  • Proof of ID such as a passport
  • A V5C certificate

Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide. Talk to your sponsor before shipping a vehicle.

On post at Chinhae - Maximum speed is 15 MPH unless posted otherwise. All traffic rules and regulations are enforced. Seatbelts are mandatory on and off post. Personnel escorting vehicles on post must remain with their guests at all times. All U.S. rules and regulations for parking, vehicles, and traffic apply.

Vehicle Checks - Vehicles entering and exiting Chinhae's gates are subject to search. Even with US government licenses plates, passengers are requested to show their ID cards. Non-US government vehicles are required to acquire a gate pass and vehicle pass to display on their dashboard.

Vehicle Maintenance

For most cars getting parts locally is usually not that difficult. The nearest AAFES Car Care Center is located at Camp Walker in the city of Daegu (approximately a 1 ½ hour drive, depending on traffic), but there are local mechanics close to base and in the city of Busan.

Most Korean’s own cars and as military personnel are PCSing to other duty stations, there are opportunities to purchase inexpensive cars. You will find that Korean cars can be purchased locally at reasonable prices. Inexpensive resale cars are available from military personnel who are PCSing to other duty stations. However be aware that traffic can be difficult and most Korean drivers are very aggressive with very little patience and heeding of traffic laws.

Drunk Driving

• If caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you will be subject to administrative action, and your license will be suspended or your license revoked for a certain period of time in accordance with the driving standard.
• When driving under the influence of alcohol on base

The administrative penalty of driving under the influence of alcohol and the division of the criminal penalty standard for drunk driving:

• First 0.03% ~ 0.08%
  • Simple Drinking - Jail for less than 1year or Fine $4,200 or less
  • Damaged - Penalty100
  • Hurt person - License Cancellation (Two years)
• First 0.08% ~ 0.2%
  • Simple Drinking - Jail for less than 1-2 Year or Fine $8.400 or less
  • Damaged - License Cancellation (Two years)
  • Hurt person - License Cancellation (Two years)
• First 0.2% more
  • Simple Drinking - Jail for less than 2-5 years or Fine $16,800 or less
  • Damaged - License Cancellation (Two years)
  • Hurt person - License Cancellation (Two years)
• Twice or More
  • Simple Drinking - License Cancellation (Two years)
  • Damaged - License Cancellation (Three years)
  • Hurt person - License Cancellation (Three years)
• Escape after a drunk driving - License Cancellation (Five years)
• Death License Cancellation (Five years)