The 3 fine types

Camera vs police

📷 Camera caught you = Gwataeryo (과태료)

👮 Police stopped you = Beomchikgeum (범칙금) + demerit points (벌점)

1️⃣ Gwataeryo (camera fine)

Caught by speed cameras, red light cameras, illegal parking cameras, bus lane enforcement, or school zone cameras.

• Sent to the car owner, not necessarily the driver
• No demerit points
• Pay via eFine (efine.go.kr)

In Korea, ordinary people can report cars that break traffic rules through the Safety e-Report app 안전신문고.

Illegal parking, illegal stopping, and other traffic violations can be reported with photos or videos.

In many cases, you may get a fine without an officer checking your car in person.

2️⃣ Beomchikgeum (police fine)

A police officer stopped you in person — for things like running a red light, speeding, phone use, no seatbelt, or crossing lanes.

• Sent to the driver
• Demerit points often added
• You can't pass it to anyone else

3️⃣ Demerit points (벌점)

Separate from money — a score on your driving record.

• Camera fines: usually no points
• Police fines: points often added
• 40+ points: possible license suspension

For foreigners with an IDP: Points are tied to your Korean driving record. They may not affect your home country license, but can lead to a driving ban in Korea.

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Rental car vs your own car

1️⃣ Rental car

Camera fines are sent to the rental company first because they are the legal owner of the vehicle.

How it works:

1. Camera catches the violation
2. Notice sent to rental company (days to weeks later)
3. The rental company identifies the driver
4. The rental company contacts you by phone or email
5. The violation is confirmed and processed

⚠️ When renting a car in Korea, a verified phone number or email address is usually required.

⚠️ Police fines work differently — you pay directly. The rental company isn't involved.

2️⃣ Your own car

Simpler. No middleman.

• Camera caught you → Gwataeryo to you (the owner)
• Police stopped you → Beomchikgeum + demerit points to you

Quick comparison

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How to check and pay

eFine (efine.go.kr) is Korea's official traffic fine portal.

You can use it to:

• Check gwataeryo and beomchikgeum status
• See enforcement records
• Pay online

The site is mostly in Korean and often requires a Korean digital certificate. For short-term visitors, letting the rental company handle it is much easier.

If you have your own car and no Korean account, ask a local to help, or use the payment options on the paper notice.

When fines arrive

• Police on-the-spot: immediate
• Camera: days to several weeks later

You might already be home when the rental company gets the notice. Don't be surprised by a charge weeks after your trip.

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How much are traffic fines?

⚠️ In school zones, fines and penalty points are usually doubled from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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If you don't pay

Gwataeryo (과태료)

• 3% surcharge if you miss the deadline
• Additional surcharge every month after
• Total can grow significantly

Beomchikgeum (범칙금)

• After deadline: 1.2× the original amount
• Continued non-payment can lead to formal criminal procedure

🗣️ Police can't take cash

Korean police cannot accept cash on the spot.

All payments go through official channels. If anyone in uniform asks for cash directly, that's a red flag.

🗣️ For foreigners:

Unpaid fines could affect future visits to Korea. Don't ignore them.

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Foreigner tips

✅ Watch your email and card for 1–2 months after your trip.

‍Camera fines arrive late, often after you've returned home.

✅ Demerit points stay on your Korean driving record.

They can affect future trips even if your home license isn't affected.

✅ Ask before flying out. When returning the rental car:

"Are there any unpaid fines on this rental? "Not all violations show up immediately, but it's still worth asking.

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