SECTION I. GENERAL

1.  PURPOSE. This pamphlet provides essential information for USFK personnel operating motor vehicles in the Republic of Korea (ROK).

2.. SCOPE. This pamphlet applies to all USFK personnel operating motor vehicles in the ROK.

SECTION II. DRIVING RULES

3. TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND DIRECTIONS.

a. Driver must obey traffic signals and directions.

(1) Drivers must obey signal lights, traffic signs, and directions given by a traffic police officer or assistant traffic controller.

 (See appendix A for Korean road traffic signs.)

(2)  When traffic lights or signs and directions given by a traffic police officer or assistant controller are conflicting, driver must follow the directions given by the police officer or the assistant.

b. Traffic signal lights and their meaning.

(1) Red signal —

(a) Vehicles must come to a complete stop before reaching the stop line, pedestrian crosswalk, or intersection.

(b) A right turn may be made provided it will not interfere with a pedestrian or right-of-way vehicle.

(2) Yellow signal — Driver must come to a complete stop before reaching the stop line, pedestrian crosswalk, or intersection. If a driver is already in the intersection, he must proceed as quickly as possible when safe.

(3) Green signal"— Driver may either go straight ahead or turn right. No left turn may be made unless otherwise directed.

(4) Green arrow signal — Driver may go in the direction of the green indicator.

(5)  Within certain areas of major cities, the overhead X and downward arrow signal devices are used where the direction of heavy traffic volume changes during certain peak hours of the day.  These signals override the lane marks/centerline on the pavement.

(a)  Red X Light:  Vehicles will not use the lane shown with the red X signal.

(b)  Green Downward Arrow:  Vehicles may proceed in the lane shown with the green arrow light.

4.  TRAFFIC LANES.

     a.  When traffic lanes are marked, a driver must stay in the lane in which his type of vehicle is permitted.  He may not drive over the lane divider line.

     b.  Examples of improper driving involving traffic lane markings are:

          (1) Violation of lane usage.

          (2)  Straddling the lane divider

          (3)  Zig-zagging over the lane divider.

          (4)  Changing lanes suddenly.

          (5)  Squeeze play.

          (6)  Continuously crossing many lanes.

          (7)  Changing lanes where prohibited.  Yellow dotted or solid lines are center lines.  Vehicles may not cross the solid lines.  Where solid and dotted lines are shown together, a vehicle on the side of dotted lines may cross the lines to pass.  White dotted or solid lines are lane dividers.  A vehicle may not cross a solid line divider to change lanes.

c.  Changing of lanes –

                   (1)  Driver must use his direction signal at least 30 meters prior to turning (100 meters on the expressway).

                   (2)  Driver must not change directions where prohibited by traffic signs.

                   (3)  Changing lanes is prohibited when: (a) there is insufficient distance to do so safely. (b) within 70 meters from the stop line at an intersection.

              d.  Bus exclusive lane.  The farthest right lane, when marked by a blue line, designates a lane to be used only by scheduled busses during rush hours.  Supplemental signs normally show the time when no vehicles other than busses will travel in the lane.

              e.  A vehicle must travel over the lane designated by type of vehicle.  Example given at the right is the road with 3 lanes (one-way).

5.  RIGHT-OF-WAY.

     a.  When an authorized emergency vehicle approaches, sounding a siren and/or showing a flashing light, all traffic is required to yield the right-of-way by moving as far to the right side of the road as possible and stopping until the emergency vehicle has passed.  Don’t stop in an intersection.

     b.  Right-of-way laws define who has the right-of-way.  NEVER INSIST ON TAKING THE RIGHT-OF-WAY.  Wait until it is yielded to you.  All drivers have a moral and legal responsibility to avoid a collision.  Courtesy and cooperation among drivers helps prevent accidents and makes driving more pleasant.

     c.  At intersections without STOP or YIELD signs or traffic signals.

          (1)  The first vehicle in the intersection should be allowed to go ahead.

          (2)  If two drivers reach an intersection from different streets at the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left must give the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.

          (3)  When you see a vehicle crossing or beginning to cross the road you are on, slow down, prepare to stop, and let it go ahead.

     d.  Yeild the right-of-way to faster moving vehicles.  Regardless of the speed at which you are traveling, you must not obstruct another driver so he cannot pass.  When driving on a roadway wide enough for more than one line of vehicles in your direction of travel, you must move out of the left hand lane when another vehicle is close behind you and trying to pass.  Vehicles which must move at slower speeds must travel in the lane farthest to the right or in a lane marked for them by signs.

     e.  Right-of-way is defined by road condition.

          (1)  On a narrow inclined road, the descending vehicle has the right-of-way,  Ascending vehicles must pull over to the right.

          (2)  On a narrow or narrow inclined road, a vehicle with passengers or cargo has the right-of-way.  Unloaded vehicle must pull over to the right.

6.  SPEED LIMITS.  Speed limits in this paragraph do not apply to official USFK vehicles.  Speed limits established by the law must be observed.  Often the speed limit is set by individual traffic signs.  When signs are used, the speed limit indicated must be observed.

     a.  Speed reduction during inclement weather.  Reduce speed by 20 to 50 percent when driving in snow, fog, ice, or rain.

     b.  Speed and force of impact.

d.  Speed limit by expressway.

EXPRESSWAY

MAXIMUM

MINIMUM

Kyongbu (Seoul-Pusan)

Kyongin (Seoul-Incheon)

Ulsan (Ulsan-Eonvang)

Honam (Taejon-Kwangju)

 

100Km/Hr

(62 MPH)

 

50 Km/Hr

(31 MPH)

Honam (Kwangju-Suncheon)

Namhae (Pusan-Suncheoun)

Yongdong (Singal-Kangnung)

Kuma (Taegu-Masan)

88 Olympic (Taegu-Kwangju)

 

 

 

80 Km/Hr

(50 MPH)

 

 

40Km/Hr

(25 MPH)

 

Tonghae (Kangnung-Tonghae)

80 Km/Hr

(50 MPH)

 

None

 

Chungbu (Seoul-Taejon)

110 Km/Hr

(66 MPH)

60 Km/Hr

(36 MPH)

 

METRIC SYSTEM.  The metric system is used in Korea.  Speed limits or distance is shown in meters or kilometers rather than miles or feet.  For a quick mental conversion, multiply kilometer by .6 for approximate miles, or multiply miles by 1.6 for approximate kilometers.  (e.g. 50 km X .6 = 30 miles, or 30 miles X 1.6 = 48 kilometers).  The chart below shows approximate equivalents of common measurements used in driving.

 

FEET

METERS

MILES

KILOMETERS

1

10

15

100

200

300

400

500

0.3048

3

4.6

30

61

91

122

152

1

10

15

19

25

31

37

43

50

55

62

1.6093

16

24

30

40

50

60

70

80

88

100

 

7.  PASSING.

 

     a.  Method of passing.

 

          (1)  To alert vehicles ahead, driver must indicate in advance the intention to pass.

 

          (2)  Driver must pass to the left of a vehicle traveling in the same direction.  Safe passing must be accomplished after insuring adequate clearance and the speed of vehicles in front of, to the rear of, and on-coming traffic.  If needed, a driver may sound the horn while passing.

 

     b.  Places where passing is prohibited.

 

          (1)  On or near the top of steep grades.

 

          (2)  On curves.

 

          (3)  Descending lane on a steep incline.

 

          (4)  Inside a tunnel.

 

          (5)  Intersection.

 

          (6)  Where prohibited by traffic signs.

8.  DRIVING THROUGH INTERSECTIONS.

     a.  Method of entering.

          (1)  Vehicles turning right must first move slowly to the lane nearest the right hand curb.

          (2)  Vehicles turning left must do so from the left hand edge of the lane closest to the centerline and from the center point of the intersection. 

(3)  Vehicles turning or going straight must move slowly to the appropriate lane at least 70 meters prior to the white line at the intersection.

b.  Pedestrians.  Pedestrians have the right-of-way at intersections and marked pedestrian crosswalks.

(1)  Drivers will yield to pedestrians crossing at green crossing signals.

(2)  Drivers will yield to pedestrians crossing the road at or near intersections where traffic is not being controlled.

9.  VEHICLE LIGHTS.

     a.  Requirements.

          (1)  Vehicles must have headlights, clearance lights, taillights, and license plate light lit when driving at night.  (Night is defined as a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise.)  Use of headlights during daylight hours, other than by emergency vehicles, is illegal.

          (2)  When objects cannot be seen within 100 meters during the day due to inclement weather, lights must be turned on the same as if driving at night.  When driving through fog, it is best to use low beams.

     b.  Use of low beams.

          (1)  When traveling through a high density traffic area at night, the low beam must be continuously used.

          (2)  When encountering on-coming traffic at night, dim the headlights to prevent other drivers from being blinded.

          (3)  When a vehicle is stopped or parked on the roadway at night, parking lights or clearance lights must be on.

NOTE:  In Korea, it is common practice to turn off headlights while stopped at an intersection waiting for a traffic light to change.  This customary practice is not a legal requirement.

10.  DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES.

     a.  Splashing.  When driving in wet areas, drivers must not splash mud or water on pedestrians or bystanders.

     b.  Protection of children and of the blind.  When an unaccompanied child or a blind person with a white cane is walking on the road, the vehicle must slow down or come to a complete stop if necessary.

     c.  Protection of pedestrians at crosswalks.  When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, vehicles must slow down or come to a complete stop if necessary.  Slow down and prepare to stop when approaching a stopped or parked vehicle near a crosswalk.  Pedestrians may be crossing in front of the stopped or parked vehicle.

     d.  Driver attendance.  When leaving his vehicle, the driver must make sure that the motor is stopped, the parking brake is set, and the vehicle locked so that it cannot be driven by another person.

     e.  Use of horns.  The use of horns is prohibited in designated areas within major cities.

     f.  Safety restraint usage.

     (1)  All occupants of Government-owned vehicles, privately-owned vehicles used for official business, or any vehicle operated on a Federal installation, will wear manufacturer-installed restraint systems.

          (2)  Military personnel will wear manufacturer-installed restraint system at all times while driving or riding in a POV, both on and off-installation.

          (3)  Individuals will not ride in seats from which manufacturer-installed occupant restraint systems have been removed or rendered inoperative.

     g.  Alcohol and drugs.  Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.

     h.  Distractions.  Operators of vehicles must pay attention while driving.  As such, vehicle operators must not wear commercial headsets or earplug radio, eat, or smoke while driving.

11.  PASSENGER AND CARGO LIMITATIONS.

     a.  Passenger limitations.  The number of passengers will not exceed the designed seating capacity.

     b.  Cargo limitations.

          (1)  The cargo will not exceed 11 percent of the rated cargo weight limitation of the vehicle.

          (2)  Contents of the cargo should not extend beyond one tenth of the vehicle length.

          (3)  Width of cargo should not block or impair the review mirror.

     c.  Warning signs for cargo that exceed the length limit.

          (1) Daylight.  A red cloth, 30cm x 50cm or larger, must be affixed to the farthest protruding edge.

          (2) Nighttime.  A light or reflector must be fastened to the farthest protruding edge.

 

SECTION III. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR EXPRESSWAY DRIVING

 

12.  RULES FOR TRAVEL.

 

     a.  Right-of-way upon entering the expressway.

          (1)  An emergency vehicle has the right-of-way.

          (2)  A vehicle already on the expressway has the right-of-way.

 

     b.  Passing.
         

(1)  When passing, the driver must turn on the direction signal, sound the horn, and then pass safely using the left lane (passing lane).  Upon completion of passing, he must return to the traveling lane using the right turn signal.

 

          (2)  The following illustration depicts the use of directional signals when passing.  When passing on the expressway, directional signals are used to indicate a change, either to enter the passing lane or the traveling lane.  When in the passing lane, the directional signal must be turned off.

 

13.  VEHICLE BREAKDOWN.

 

     a.  When a vehicle is disabled and unable to travel on the expressway, move the vehicle to the right side of the roadway and place a triangular warning sign 100 meters or more behind the vehicle.  Turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights (flashers) to provide additional visibility.  Flashers may also be used by other motorists to warn of emergency conditions (accident on or near the roadway; disabled vehicle, etc.)

 

     b.  At night, red flares or flashing lights must be placed at least 200 meters behind the disabled vehicle to provide visibility within 500 meters from both directions.

 

14.  DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES.

 

     a.  Drivers will ensure their passengers wear installed seatbelts at all times.

 

     b.  Warning devices must be carried at all times.  Included are red reflective triangle warning sign, red flares or flashing light.  (Exception: vehicles carrying flammable or explosive materials will not use or carry flares.)

 

     c.  If you travel on the 4 lane (one-way) expressway remember the basic rule: 1st lane is passing ; 2nd lane is for passenger cars; 3rd lane is for express buses; and the 4th lane is for cargo trucks.

 

     d.  When you are in need of help from Korean and you cannot communicate use appendix B to this pamphlet to point out the message you wish to convey.

 

SECTION IV.  TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

 

15.  PROCEDURES.

 

     a.  Driver responsibilities.

 

          (1)  Stop immediately.

 

          (2)  Aid the injured and take other necessary emergency measures.

 

          (3)  Report the following to the nearest police:

 

              (a)  Location, time, and date of accident

              (b)  Degree of injuries, to include fatalities.

              (c)  Type and degree of property damage.

              (d)  Other necessary information.

         

     b.  A police officer may order the driver to do the following:

 

          (1)  Aid the injured.  If needed to prevent traffic hazards, the driver may be ordered to remain at the scene of the accident.

 

          (2)  Take other measures necessary for maintenance of traffic safety.

 

16.  SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR PUNISHMENT.

 

     a.  If the driver is a fault in an accident resulting in injuries or property damage, he may be relieved from criminal punishment if the driver and victim agree to resolve the case between themselves.

 

NOTE: An open-ended comprehensive insurance policy (bodily injuries and property damage) will be considered as an agreement.

 

     b.  The following cases are still punishable regardless of an agreement:

 

          (1)  Fatal accident.

 

          (2)  Deserting the accident scene without taking the necessary actions.

 

          (3)  Concealing the victim and then fleeing.

 

          (4)  An accident resulting in injuries, by committing one or more of the following  violations:

 

              (a)  Violating a traffic signal, entering a no-entry zone, or running a stop sign.

              (b)  Exceeding speed limit by 20 kilometers per hour.

              (c)  Unsafe or illegal passing.

              (d)  Crossing the centerline.

              (e)Driving without a driver’s license.

              (f)  Violating railroad crossing procedures.

              (g)  Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

              (h)  Disregarding driver’s duties to protect pedestrians at crosswalks.

 

SECTION V.  ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MILITARY MOTOR VEHICLES

 

17.  VEHICLE MOVEMENT.

 

          a.  Road clearances.  When there is any question of road clearance, or in the absence of a sign indicating measured clearance (width and height), the driver will stop the vehicle and determine if there is sufficient clearance for the vehicle and its load before attempting to negotiate an underpass, highway, or bridge.

 

          b.  Toll booths.  All drivers of military vehicles will come to a complete stop at all toll booths upon entry and exit from expressways and toll roads.  Only the extreme right lane will be used by military vehicles when passing through a toll gate.

 

          c.  Eating, drinking, or smoking.  Drivers of military vehicles will not eat, drink, or smoke while operating a vehicle.

 

18.  HIGHWAY CONDITION CODES.  Highway conditions are color coded as follows:

 

          a.  Green – road conditions are normal.

 

          b.  Amber – only vehicles essential for official business will be allowed to exit the installation.

 

          c.  Red – only vehicles on emergency missions are authorized to exit the installation.  An emergency mission is one which meets one or more of the following:

 

              (1)  Protection of life and property.

              (2)  Emergency road repair crews or communication repair crews.

              (3)  Military police missions.

              (4)  Transportation regulating missions.

 

          d.  Black – road is not passable.

 

19.  MAXIMUM USFK VEHICLE SPEED LIMITS.

                                                                                 MPH          KPH

     a.  When passing a marching unit                            10                (16)

     b.  School zones                                                    15                (24)

     c.  Parking area/motor pool                                    5                 (8)

     d.  In built up areas                                                35                (56)

     e.  Outside built-up areas                                       40                (64)

     f.  On expressways and toll roads

          (1) Sedan type military vehicle                           Sames as shown in previous table

          (2) Tactical vehicle                                           40                (64)

          (3) All other military vehicles                             50                (80)