ACT ON THE PROMOTION OF AND SUPPORT FOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

Article 1(Purpose) #

The purpose of this Act is to promote and support the commercialization of autonomous vehicles, by prescribing matters necessary for introducing and widely selling autonomous vehicles as well as for establishing, supporting, etc. the foundation for the safe operation of such vehicles, thereby contributing to improving the people’s living environment and to developing the national economy.

Article 2(Definitions) #

(1) The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on Jun. 9, 2020; Jul. 27, 2021; Mar. 17, 2026>

1. The term "autonomous vehicle" means a motor vehicle which can self-operate without any operation by its driver or passengers, as defined in subparagraph 1-3 of Article 2 of the Motor Vehicle Management Act;

2. The term "autonomous driving system" means automation equipment, software, and all devices related thereto that enable a motor vehicle to operate by perceiving and evaluating surrounding conditions, road information, etc. by itself without any operation by its driver or passengers;

3. The term "cooperative autonomous driving system" means an intelligent transport system defined in subparagraph 16 of Article 2 of the National Transport System Efficiency Act that enhances efficiency and safety by supporting and supplementing autonomous driving functions, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, by utilizing, among other things, signal apparatuses defined in subparagraph 15 of Article 2 of the Road Traffic Act, safety signs defined in subparagraph 16 of Article 2 of the same Act, and transport facilities defined in subparagraph 4 of Article 2 of the National Transport System Efficiency Act;

4. The term "high definition road map" means a high definition electronic map that includes location information, such as roads, to be used for the operation of autonomous vehicles, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, being the survey results defined in subparagraph 8 of Article 2 of the Act on the Establishment and Management of Spatial Data;

5. The term "pilot operation zone for autonomous vehicles" means an area to which regulatory exceptions apply to promote research on, and pilot operation of, autonomous vehicles, which is designated under Article 7;

6. The term "regulatory exception" means relaxing or removing regulation or devolving regulatory authority, being matters prescribed in Articles 9 through 13;

7. The term "cooperative autonomous driving certification" means the act of identifying and proving the components of road traffic, such as motor vehicles and roadside equipment, in order to secure the safety and reliability of communications, etc. arising in the course of cooperative autonomous driving;

8. The term "certificate" means electronic information for cooperative autonomous driving certification;

9. The term "cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs" means the business of providing cooperative autonomous driving certification services, such as cooperative autonomous driving certification and the issuance, management, and abolition of certificates;

10. The term "certification institution" means an institution designated under Article 28(1), which conducts cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs;

11. The term "subscriber" means an owner or manager of a motor vehicle, roadside equipment, etc. which has been issued a certificate from a certification institution.

12. "Autonomous driving video processing system" means a device prescribed by Presidential Decree, which is installed in a motor vehicle to capture video, etc. of persons or objects or to transmit such video, etc. through a wired or wireless network;

13. "Video data" means data of video, etc. captured by an autonomous driving video processing device while a motor vehicle is in operation.

(2) Types of autonomous vehicles shall be classified as follows, but the vehicles may be sub-classified, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport: <Amended on Jun. 9, 2020; Jan. 9, 2024>

1. Partially autonomous motor vehicles: autonomous motor vehicles that can be operated with an autonomous driving system under limited conditions, but requires the intervention of the driver, if necessary, such as a situation where the operation is limited, etc.;

2. A fully autonomous vehicle: An autonomous vehicle that has no driver or does not require intervention by the driver or passengers, since its autonomous driving system alone can enable it to self-drive.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the terms other than those defined in paragraph (1) shall be the same as those defined in Article 2 of the Motor Vehicle Management Act and Article 2 of the Road Act.

Article 3(Relationship to other statutes) #

(1) This Act shall prevail over other statutes regarding regulatory exceptions in pilot operation zones for autonomous vehicles designated under Article 7; provided, where more lenient provisions exist in any other statute than regulatory exceptions prescribed in this Act, such provisions shall govern. <Amended on Mar. 19, 2024>

(2) Where this Act and the Motor Vehicle Management Act apply concurrently to the approval, etc. of conformity of autonomous driving motor vehicles in Chapter V, this Act shall prevail. <Added on Mar. 19, 2024>

(3) Except as provided in this Act, the Personal Information Protection Act shall apply to the processing of video data through the autonomous driving video processing system. <Added on Mar. 17, 2026>

Article 4(Establishment of master plans) #

(1) To introduce and disseminate autonomous vehicles and to develop an autonomous-driving-based transport logistics system, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall formulate a master plan for autonomous-driving-based transport logistics systems that includes the following (hereinafter referred to as "master plan"), every five years: <Amended on Jul. 27, 2021>

1. Basic direction-setting for, and objectives of, policies to support autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems;

2. Research and development plans for infrastructure to support the safety and operation of autonomous vehicles, as well as for autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems;

3. Building a cooperative autonomous driving system as well as high definition road maps;

4. International cooperation related to infrastructure to support the safety and operation of autonomous vehicles, as well as to autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems;

5. Any other matters prescribed by Presidential Decree in relation to autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems.

(2) When intending to formulate a master plan pursuant to paragraph (1), the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall first hear from the heads of relevant central administrative agencies, the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, a Metropolitan City Mayor, a Special Self-Governing City Mayor, a Do Governor, or a Special Self-Governing Province Governor (hereinafter referred to as the "Mayor/Do Governor"). The same shall also apply when the Minister intends to amend (excluding minor amendment prescribed by Presidential Decree) a master plan formulated. <Amended on Jun. 9, 2020>

(3) To formulate a master plan, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may request the heads of relevant central administrative agencies, the heads of local governments, the heads of public institutions (referring to public institutions prescribed in Article 4 of the Act on the Management of Public Institutions; hereinafter the same shall apply), or the heads of relevant institutions, organizations, etc. to submit relevant data and information. In such cases, the heads of institutions or organizations so requested shall comply with such request unless there is a compelling reason not to do so.

(4) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may formulate and implement an annual implementation plan based on a master plan formulated pursuant to paragraph (1).

(5) Matters necessary for, among other things, formulating and amending a master plan referred to in paragraph (1) and an annual implementation plan referred to in paragraph (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 5(Status surveys relating to autonomous vehicles) #

(1) To effectively formulate and implement policies for autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may conduct a status survey on research and development, operation, utilization, etc. of autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems, a cooperative autonomous driving system, etc. each year, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. <Amended on Jul. 27, 2021>

(2) If necessary to conduct a status survey under paragraph (1), the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may request the heads of relevant public institutions or the heads of institutions or organizations related to autonomic driving motor vehicles to submit data.

(3) Matters necessary for, among other things, the method and objects of status surveys referred to in paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 6(Designating safe autonomous driving sections) #

(1) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may designate a section for safe autonomous driving (hereinafter referred to as "safe autonomous driving section") in a motorway referred to in Article 48(1) of the Road Act, based on such considerations as infrastructure to support the operation of autonomous vehicles, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

(2) Upon designating a safe autonomous driving section under paragraph (1), the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall notify the heads of relevant agencies, such as the competent road management authority and City/Do police agency having jurisdiction over the section, and drivers, etc. of autonomous vehicles traveling in the section of the fact of such designation. The same shall also apply to any modification or rescission of such designation. <Amended on Dec. 22, 2020>

(3) To expand safe autonomous driving sections, secure the reliability thereof, etc., the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may take necessary measures, such as improving, maintaining, or repairing road facilities and preferentially establishing a cooperative autonomous driving system; or may require the heads of relevant agencies, such as the competent road management authority and City/Do police agency having jurisdiction over the section, to take necessary measures, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. <Amended on Dec. 22, 2020; Jul. 27, 2021>

(4) A person who manufactures, assembles, imports, or manages autonomous vehicles shall reflect the status of designation of safe autonomous driving sections in relevant autonomous driving systems.

Article 7(Designating pilot operation zones) #

(1) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may designate a pilot operation zone for autonomous vehicles (hereinafter referred to as "pilot operation zone"), subject to deliberation and resolution by the Committee on Pilot Operation Zones for Autonomous Vehicles established under Article 16, upon receipt of application from the Mayor/Do Governor who intends to operate a pilot operation zone. The same shall also apply to any modification or rescission of the designation of such pilot operation zone. <Amended on Jan. 9, 2024>

(2) Where a pilot operation zone intended to be designated, modified, or canceled pursuant to paragraph (1) extends over at least two Special Metropolitan Cities, Metropolitan Cities, Special Self-Governing Cities, Dos, or Special Self-Governing Provinces (hereinafter referred to as "Cities/Dos"), the competent Mayors/Do Governors shall jointly apply for designation, modification, or cancellation. <Added on Jan. 9, 2024>

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), where the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport deems it necessary to designate a zone spanning at least two Cities/Dos as a pilot operation zone, he or she may designate a pilot operation zone after consultation with the competent Mayor/Do Governor and deliberation and resolution by the Committee on Pilot Operation Zones for Autonomous Vehicles. The same shall also apply to any modification or cancellation of a pilot operation zone. <Added on Jan. 9, 2024>

(4) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (3), any minor modification prescribed by Presidential Decree need not be subject to deliberation and resolution by the Committee on Pilot Operation Zones for Autonomous Vehicles. <Added on Jan. 9, 2024>

(5) Upon designating, modifying, or rescinding a designation of a pilot operation zone under paragraph (1) and (3), the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall give public notice of the details thereof via the Official Gazette; and shall notify the Mayor/Do Governor who has applied for, or consulted such designation or modification or rescission of the designation thereof, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 9, 2024>

(6) Except as provided in paragraphs (1) through (5), matters necessary for designating, modifying, or rescinding a designation of a pilot operation zone shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 9, 2024>

Article 8(Operating and managing pilot operation zones) #

(1) Cities/Dos having jurisdiction over an area designated and publicly notified as a pilot operation zone may determine, by ordinance, matters necessary for operating the pilot operation zone designated and publicly notified under Article 7(1). <Amended on Jan. 9, 2024>

(2) To support and manage designated pilot operation zones, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may organize and operate a consultative body on pilot operation zones comprised of the competent Mayor/Do Governor, the competent road management authority, the commissioner of the competent City/Do police agency, etc. In such cases, matters necessary for organizing, operating, etc. the consultative body shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Dec. 22, 2020>

Article 9(Special cases regarding onerous transportation of passengers) #

(1) Notwithstanding Article 81 of the Passenger Transport Service Act, any person may offer or lease out autonomous vehicles, other than commercial motor vehicles, in a pilot operation zone for a fee for passenger transport purposes.

(2) Any person who intends to provide paid transportation in a pilot operation zone pursuant to paragraph (1) by utilizing an autonomous vehicle shall obtain permission from the Mayor/Do Governor having jurisdiction over the pilot operation zone, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, the Mayor/Do Governor having jurisdiction over the pilot operation zone shall undergo consultation with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. <Amended on Jan. 9, 2024>

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), in any of the following cases, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall grant permission in consultation with the competent Mayor/Do Governor: <Added on Jan. 9, 2024>

1. Permission for onerous transportation for pilot operation zones spanning at least two Cities/Dos designated by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport;

2. Permission for onerous transportation for areas spanning at least two pilot operation zones.

(4) A person who intends to grant permission for onerous transportation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) may attach conditions necessary for ensuring traffic safety and maintaining transportation order. <Added on Jan. 9, 2024>

(5) Notwithstanding Article 4 of the Passenger Transport Service Act, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport or the Mayor/Do Governor having jurisdiction over a pilot operation zone may issue a restricted transport license to a person who intends to operate a route in the pilot operation zone using autonomous vehicles, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 9, 2024>

(6) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport or the Mayor/Do Governor having jurisdiction over a pilot operation zone shall determine and publicly announce, in advance, the requirements and procedures for issuing a restricted transport license under paragraph (5) and other necessary matters. <Amended on Jan. 9, 2024>

Article 10(Special cases regarding trucking transport service) #

Any person who intends to transport freight using an autonomous vehicle in a pilot operation zone for a fee shall obtain permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, Article 3 of the Trucking Transport Business Act shall not apply.

Article 11(Special cases regarding safety standards for motor vehicles) #

Any autonomous vehicle made difficult to conform to the safety standards for motor vehicles referred to in Article 29(1) (hereinafter referred to as "safety standards for motor vehicles") and or the safety standards for parts in Article 29(2) of the Motor Vehicle Management Act due to its structural features prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, such as its steering system, brake system, or seats, may be operated in a pilot operation zone upon approval from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may impose conditions necessary for ensuring safety, etc. <Amended on Mar. 19, 2024>

Article 12(Special cases regarding intelligent transport system standards) #

A person who implements an intelligent transport system establishment project referred to in Article 77(1) of the National Transport System Efficiency Act in a pilot operation zone may use new technology that has not been established and publicly notified as intelligent transport system standards under Article 82 of the same Act.

Article 13(Special cases regarding road facilities) #

(1) Notwithstanding Article 31(1) of the Road Act, a person other than the competent road management authority may conduct road works, and maintain and manage a road necessary for autonomous driving in a pilot operation zone. In such cases, such person shall obtain permission from the competent road management authority, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) Types of road works and those of maintenance and management of a road necessary for autonomous driving referred to in paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Article 14(Promptly verifying regulation) #

(1) A person who intends to operate an autonomous vehicle in a pilot operation zone may request the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to verify the application, interpretation, etc. of the statutes and regulations governing the operation of such vehicles (hereinafter referred to as "verification of regulation").

(2) Upon receiving a request for verification of regulation under paragraph (1), the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may verify regulation within the scope of his or her authority. In such cases, the Minister shall reply to the relevant person within 30 days after receipt of such request.

(3) Where a request made under paragraph (1) falls within the jurisdiction of another administrative agency, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall notify the head of such administrative agency thereof.

(4) The head of the relevant administrative agency shall examine the relevant request and reply to both the person who has made the request and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport regarding the results of such examination within 30 days after receipt of notification under paragraph (3).

(5) Where a request to supplement data is made to a person who has requested verification of regulation to examine matters regarding verification of regulation under paragraph (2) or (4), the period required for such supplementation shall be excluded from the relevant period. <Amended on Jun. 9, 2020>

(6) Except as provided in paragraphs (1) through (5), matters necessary for verification of regulation shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 15(Barring application of regulatory exceptions) #

Where a person granted a regulatory exception in a pilot operation zone falls under any of the following grounds, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may bar the application of the regulatory exception, subject to deliberation and resolution by the Committee on Pilot Operation Zones for Autonomous Vehicles established under Article 16; provided, if a person falls under subparagraph 1, the Minister shall bar the application of the relevant regulatory exception:

1. Where the person obtains permission or approval under Articles 9 through 13 by fraud or other improper means;

2. Where the person causes harm to another person or causes a traffic hazard due to research on or pilot operation of an autonomous vehicle.

Article 16(Organization of the Committee) #

(1) To deliberate and decide on policies and important matters regarding pilot operation zones for autonomous vehicles, if necessary, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may organize and operate the Committee on Pilot Operation Zones for Autonomous Vehicles (hereinafter referred to as the "Committee").

(2) The Committee shall deliberate on and determine upon the following matters:

1. Basic policies and systems regarding pilot operation zones;

2. Designating, modifying, or rescinding a designation of pilot operation zones;

3. Barring the application of regulatory exceptions under Article 15;

4. Evaluating the operation of pilot operation zones under Article 17;

5. Coordinating opinions among the heads of central administrative agencies and the heads of local governments related to pilot operation zones;

6. Any other matters prescribed by Presidential Decree, which are necessary for designating, operating, etc. pilot operation zones.

(3) The Committee shall be comprised of up to 20 members, including two chairpersons.

(4) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall serve as one chairperson; a person elected from among the nongovernmental members specified in subparagraph 1 shall serve as the other chairperson; and the following persons shall serve as members of the Committee:

1. Nongovernmental members: Persons commissioned by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport from among persons with substantial knowledge of and experience in the field of autonomous vehicles;

2. Governmental members: Vice Ministers or vice-ministerial level public officials of relevant central administrative agencies prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(5) Where an ordinance of a City/Do related to research on and pilot operation of autonomous vehicles in a pilot operation zone is deemed manifestly unreasonable, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may submit its opinions on the amendment, abolition, etc. of such ordinance to the relevant local council. <Amended on Jan. 9, 2024>

(6) If the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport deems that the purpose of organizing the committee has been accomplished, he or she may dissolve the technology deliberative committee. <Amended on Jan. 9, 2024>

(7) Except as provided in this Act, matters necessary for comprising and operating the Committee and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 9, 2024>

Article 17(Evaluation of operation of pilot operation zones) #

(1) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may evaluate the operation of pilot operation zones regularly or occasionally.

(2) If necessary for evaluation under paragraph (1), the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may request the competent Mayor/Do Governor to submit relevant data. In such cases, the competent Mayor/Do Governor shall comply with such request unless there is a compelling reason not to do so.

(3) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall notify the competent Mayor/Do Governor of the evaluation results finalized after deliberation and resolution by the Committee; and may recommend improvement measures based on the evaluation results. In such cases, the competent Mayor/Do Governor shall take the measures unless there is a compelling reason not to do so.

(4) Except as provided in paragraphs (1) through (3), such matters as the standards, methods, and procedures for operating pilot operation zones shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 18(Duty to manage facilities) #

To ensure the seamless operation of autonomous vehicles, the Mayor/Do Governor having jurisdiction over a pilot operation zone shall maintain and manage facilities relating to research on and pilot operation of autonomous vehicles, such as roads and signal apparatuses within the pilot operation zone, as prescribed by ordinance of the relevant City/Do.

Article 19(Duty to purchase insurance) #

A person who conducts research on or pilot operation of autonomous vehicles in a pilot operation zone shall purchase insurance prescribed by Presidential Decree to compensate for personal and property damage that may occur as a result of such research or pilot operation. <Amended on Mar. 19, 2024>

Article 20(Barring application of other statutes and regulations to anonymized personal information) #

Even when all or some of the following data collected in the course of operating an autonomous vehicle is deleted or replaced and then combined with other data, the utilization of such data shall not be governed by the Personal Information Protection Act, the Act on the Protection and Use of Location Information, and the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection if such information is processed (hereinafter referred to as "anonymization") to ensure that no specific individual can be identified: <Amended on Mar. 17, 2026>

1. Personal information defined in subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Personal Information Protection Act;

2. Personal location information defined in subparagraph 2 of Article 2 of the Act on the Protection and Use of Location Information;

3. Information prescribed by Presidential Decree, equivalent to that specified in subparagraphs 1 and 2.

Article 20-2(Special cases regarding processing of video data) #

(1) A person who has obtained permission for temporary operation of an autonomous vehicle under Article 27(1) of the Motor Vehicle Management Act (hereinafter referred to as "autonomous vehicle manufacturer, etc.") may, notwithstanding Article 20, capture and collect video data containing specific personal information for the purpose of improving the performance and safety of the autonomous driving system, and may use the collected video data without anonymization or pseudonymization under Article 2(1)2 of the Personal Information Protection Act.

(2) No person shall use video data collected in accordance with paragraph (1) for the purpose of identifying a specific individual, or use or provide it for purposes other than those provided in this Act.

(3) An autonomous vehicle manufacturer, etc. that collects video data in accordance with paragraph (1) shall take technical or administrative measures necessary to ensure safety, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as formulating an internal management plan and retaining access records, to prevent the video data collected from being lost, stolen, divulged, forged, or damaged.

(4) An autonomous vehicle manufacturer, etc. that collects video data in accordance with paragraph (1) shall, without delay, destroy the video data containing specific personal information within 5 years from the date of collection, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Mar. 17, 2026]

Article 21(Establishment of cooperative autonomous driving systems) #

To ensure the seamless operation of autonomous vehicles in safe autonomous driving sections and pilot operation zones, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may establish and operate a cooperative autonomous driving system, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jul. 27, 2021>

[Title Amended on Jul. 27, 2021]

Article 22(Establishment and updating of high definition road map) #

(1) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may establish high definition road maps to promote the commercialization of autonomous vehicles, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, the Minister shall regularly update high definition road maps to reflect changes such as the installation or modification of road routes, road signs, signal apparatuses, etc. <Amended on Mar. 17, 2026>

(2) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may provide high definition road maps built under paragraph (1) free of charge to facilitate civilian use of the maps.

(3) Where necessary to update a high definition road map, such as modifying road routes, and any matters prescribed by Presidential Decree have been modified in an area under its jurisdiction, the relevant road management authority shall notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of such fact, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Article 23(Administrative and financial support) #

To introduce and widely sell autonomous vehicles and to develop autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may provide necessary administrative, financial, and technical support or may grant loans, etc. prescribed in finance-related statutes to local governments, institutions, trade associations, business entities, etc. that implement the following projects, as prescribed by Presidential Decree:

1. A research and development project for infrastructure to support the safety and operation of autonomous vehicles, or for autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems;

2. A project to install and operate facilities necessary for operating autonomous vehicles;

3. A project necessary for developing industries related to infrastructure to support the safety and operation of autonomous vehicles and autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems;

4. Any other project necessary for developing autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems, which is prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Article 24(Technology development support policies) #

(1) To promote technological development related to infrastructure to support the safety and operation of autonomous vehicles and autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may formulate and implement support policies for the following matters:

1. Collection and provision of information on domestic and foreign technological development related to infrastructure to support the safety and operation of autonomous vehicles and autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems;

2. Research on, development, etc. of key technologies related to infrastructure to support the safety and operation of autonomous vehicles and autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems.

(2) To promote technological development under paragraph (1), the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may have any of the following persons implement a research and development project: <Amended on Jan. 31, 2025>

1. A national or public research institute;

2. A research institute established under Article 8 of the Act on the Establishment, Operation and Fostering of Government-Funded Science and Technology Research Institutes;

3. Specific research institutes established under Article 2 of the Specific Research Institutes Support Act;

4. A research institute specializing in manufacturing technology established under Article 42 of the Industrial Technology Innovation Promotion Act;

5. The Industrial Technology Research Cooperatives under the Industrial Technology Research Cooperatives Support Act;

6. Universities, colleges, industrial colleges, junior colleges or technical colleges defined in Article 2 of the Higher Education Act;

7. Business-affiliated research institutes recognized in accordance with Article 7(1) of the Act on Support for Research and Development of Business-Affiliated Research Institutes;

8. An institution, organization, or business entity prescribed by Presidential Decree, relating to autonomous vehicles.

Article 25(Training of specialized human resources) #

(1) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall endeavor to train specialized human resources necessary for developing infrastructure to support the safety and operation of autonomous vehicles and autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems.

(2) To train specialized human resources under paragraph (1), the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may designate a university, college, industrial college, junior college, or technical college defined in Article 2 of the Higher Education Act or a research institute, institution, or organization established for research activities, etc. relating to autonomous vehicles as training institutions for specialized human resources to have them provide education and training.

(3) Where the designated training institution for specialized human resources under paragraph (2) falls under any of the following grounds, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may revoke such designation; provided, if the person falls under subparagraph 1, the Minister shall revoke such designation:

1. Where it is designated by fraud or other improper means;

2. If the institution for training professional human resources no longer meets the requirements for designation;

3. Where the training institution fails to train specialized human resources for at least one year without good cause.

(4) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may provide necessary assistance, within the budget, to training institutions for specialized human resources designated under paragraph (2), as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(5) Matters necessary for the criteria, procedures, etc. for designating training institutions for specialized human resource prescribed in paragraph (2) shall be determined by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. <Amended on Jul. 27, 2021>

Article 26(Overseas expansion and international cooperation) #

(1) To promote international cooperation and entry into overseas markets in relation to infrastructure to support the safety and operation of autonomous vehicles and autonomous-driving-based transport and logistics systems, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may subsidize international exchanges of relevant technologies and human resources, participation in international exhibitions, international standardization, international joint research and development, and other activities.

(2) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may request the institutions or organizations prescribed by Presidential Decree to perform projects prescribed in paragraph (1), and may provide necessary budget support thereto.

Article 27(Establishment and operation of cooperative driving certification management centers) #

(1) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall conduct the following duties to ensure the safety and reliability of the cooperative autonomous driving certification:

1. Management and supervision of the certification institutions designated under Article 28 and the verification institutions designated under Article 29;

2. Inspection on the implementation of safety measures under Article 34(1);

3. Development and dissemination of technology related to cooperative autonomous driving certification, and research on standardization thereof;

4. Research of systems related to the cooperative autonomous driving certification and support for international cooperation;

5. Other matters necessary to manage cooperative autonomous driving certification.

(2) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may establish and operate a cooperative autonomous driving certification management center (hereinafter referred to as "certification management center") to efficiently conduct affairs provided in paragraph (1).

(3) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may entrust the establishment and operation of a certification management center to the Korea Transportation Safety Authority under the Korea Transportation Safety Authority Act.

(4) Other matters necessary for the establishment, operation, etc. of a certification management center shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

[Previous Article 27 moved to Article 41 <Jul. 27, 2021>]

Article 28(Designation of certification agency) #

(1) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may designate a person who is deemed able to safely and reliably conduct cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs as a certification institution, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) Persons entitled to be designated as certification institutions shall be limited to local governments, public institutions, or corporations; provided, none of the following persons shall be designated as a certification institution:

1. A corporation any executive officer of which falls under any of the following items:

a. A person in whose case two years have not passed since imprisonment without labor or any heavier punishment, to which he or she was sentenced, was completely executed (or is deemed to have been completely executed) or was remitted;

b. A person who was sentenced to the suspension of imprisonment without labor or any heavier penalty and is still in the period of grace;

c. A person who is disqualified or whose qualification is suspended according to a decision by a court or pursuant to another statute;

d. A person who was an executive officer of a corporation at the time the designation of the corporation was canceled under Article 32 and for whom two years have not passed since the designation as such corporation was canceled;

2. A person for whom two years have not yet elapsed after the revocation of designation under Article 32.

(3) An entity intending to be designated as a certification institution shall meet the designation standards prescribed by Presidential Decree for technical and financial capabilities, facilities and equipment, etc.

(4) A certification institution may collect fees related to certification, as prescribed by the certification management standards under Article 30.

(5) An amount corresponding to the ratio determined by the certification management standards pursuant to Article 30 out of the fees collected pursuant to paragraph (4) shall be vested in an institution entrusted pursuant to Article 27(3) and a verification institution under Article 29, respectively, and the remaining amount shall be vested in a certification institution.

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

[Previous Article 28 moved to Article 42 <Jul. 27, 2021>]

Article 29(Designating verification institutions) #

(1) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may designate as a verification agency a person deemed capable of detecting, determining, and managing any abnormality of information generated in the course of cooperative autonomous driving.

(2) Article 28(2), subparagraph 3 of Article 30, Article 31(1)3, 4, 6 and 7, Article 31(2) through (5), Article 32(1), subparagraphs 1 through 4 of Article 33, Article 34, 35, 38 and subparagraph 2 of Article 51 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the verification institutions. <Amended on Mar. 19, 2024>

(3) The criteria and procedures for designation of a verification institution, methods of performing duties, such as methods of verification, criteria and procedures for verifying any abnormality of information, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

[Previous Article 29 moved to Article 43 <Jul. 27, 2021>]

Article 30(Cooperative autonomous driving certification management standards) #

The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall determine and publicly notify cooperative autonomous driving certification standards including the following matters to ensure the safety and reliability of cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs:

1. Methods and procedures of cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs;

2. Matters concerning the effective period of the certificate;

3. Matters concerning facility standards for certification institutions and methods of managing information;

4. Types, rates, amounts, etc. of fees;

5. Other matters concerning the operation and management of certificates, and cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs.

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

Article 31(Rules for cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs) #

(1) A certification institution shall, before commencing cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs, formulate rules for cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs including the following matters (hereinafter referred to as "rules for certification affairs") in accordance with the certification management standards, report the rules to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and comply therewith:

1. Type of certificates;

2. Methods and procedures for cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs;

3. Methods of managing and publicly announcing information related to cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs;

4. Standards for facilities and equipment and the methods for the protection thereof with respect to cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs;

5. Matters concerning the methods of taking measures, such as purchasing insurance or joining a mutual aid organization, or accumulating reserves, and the liability for damages under Article 39(2);

6. Matters concerning the protection of personal information of subscribers;

7. Other matters necessary for conducting cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs.

(2) Where a certification institution modifies any matter reported pursuant to paragraph (1), it shall report such modification to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport within the period prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

(3) Upon receipt of a report under paragraph (1) or a report on modification under paragraph (2), the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall review the details thereof and accept the report or report on modification if it meets the certification management standards.

(4) If any content of the rules for certification affairs reported pursuant to paragraph (1) violates the certification management standards, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may order the relevant certification institution to amend the rules for certification affairs within the period prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

(5) Matters necessary for the procedures for and methods of filing a report on, or a report on modification of, the rules for certification affairs shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

Article 32(Suspension of cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs and revocation of designation) #

(1) Where any certification institution falls under any of the following, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may revoke the designation of such certification institution or may order such certification institution to completely or partially suspend cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs for a period not exceeding six months; provided, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall revoke the designation in cases falling under subparagraphs 1 through 4 and 8:

1. Where the certification institution has obtained designation under Article 28 by fraud or other improper means;

2. Where the certification institution conducts cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs during a period of business suspension, in violation of an order for it to suspend its business issued under this Article;

3. If the certification institution fails to meet the standards under Article 28(3) (excluding where the certification institution meets the standards within six months from the date it ceases to meet the standards);

4. Where an executive officer of the certification institution falls under any of the items of Article 28(2)1 (excluding where such executive officer is replaced with a new one within six months from the date when he or she has any grounds for disqualification);

5. Where the certification institution fails to commence cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs within three months from the date of designation pursuant to Article 28 or fails to conduct such affairs for at least three consecutive months;

6. Where the certification institution fails to comply with an order to amend the rules for certification affairs under Article 31(4);

7. Where the certification institution fails to comply with a corrective order issued under Article 33 without good cause;

8. Where the certification institution voluntarily applies for revocation of designation.

(2) A certification institution the designation of which is revoked under paragraph (1) shall transfer information related to a certificate which ceases to be effective under subparagraph 2 of Article 36 to a certification institution or certification management center designated by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, with consent from the subscriber.

(3) The criteria and procedures for dispositions referred to in paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree and matters necessary for transfer provided in paragraph (2) by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

Article 33(Corrective orders) #

The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may order a certification institution to take corrective measures within a specified period, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, if any of the following is applicable to that certification institution:

1. Where the certification institution fails to comply with the matters provided in the certification management standards;

2. Where a certification institution fails to file a report or a report on modification under Article 31 or where it fails to observe the rules for certification affairs that have been reported and accepted;

3. Where the certification institution fails to implement safety measures under Article 34(1) or its safety measures are insufficient;

4. Where the certification institution fails to formulate a plan for the prevention of and response to failures referred to in Article 35(1) or fails to report on the occurrence of failures referred to in Article 35(4);

5. Where the certification institution fails to abolish the relevant certificate or to take measures to verify the fact thereof as prescribed in Article 37(2), despite the occurrence of any of the causes prescribed in the subparagraphs of paragraph (1) of the same Article;

6. Where the certification institution fails to take necessary measures, such as failing to purchase an insurance policy or to subscribe to a mutual aid fund under Article 39(2) or to accumulate reserves.

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

Article 34(Duty to take safety measures for facilities and equipment) #

(1) A certification institution shall take technical, managerial, and physical measures (hereinafter referred to as "safety measures"), as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, to ensure the safety of facilities and equipment relating to cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs.

(2) A certification institution shall regularly inspect the safety measures referred to in paragraph (1) each year and report the result to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

(3) Where the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport deems it necessary to ascertain whether a certification institution implements safety measures, he or she may require the relevant certification institution to submit related data or have related public officials gain access to the office, place of business, or other necessary places of the certification institution to inspect such facilities, equipment, books, documents, or other articles.

(4) A public official who intends to conduct an inspection under paragraph (3) shall notify the certification institution subject to inspection of an inspection plan including the date, time, purpose, details, etc. of inspection no later than seven days before the inspection; provided, this shall not apply, in cases of emergency or where it is deemed that advance notice would make it impossible to attain the purpose of inspection.

(5) The procedures and methods for reporting the result of inspection under paragraph (2), the submission of data, procedures and methods for inspection under paragraph (3), notification of inspection plans under paragraph (4), and other necessary matters, shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

Article 35(Plan for prevention of and response to failures in conducting cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs) #

(1) A certification institution shall formulate a plan for the prevention of and response to failures, including risk detection and control measures, in order to perform cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs in a stable manner.

(2) A certification body that formulates a plan for the prevention of and response to failures pursuant to paragraph (1) shall submit the formulated plan to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport without delay.

(3) After reviewing the plan for the prevention of and response to failures submitted under paragraph (2), where it is necessary to revise or supplement the plan, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may request the relevant certification institution to do so. In such cases, the certification institution shall comply with such request for amendment or supplementation, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so.

(4) Where there occurs a failure in cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs, it shall without delay report such fact to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and prepare measures to promptly recover from such failure.

(5) Other necessary matters, such as the formulation of a plan for the prevention of and response to failures in conducting cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs, and methods of and procedures for recovery from failures shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

Article 36(Extinction of effect of certificates) #

A certificate shall lose its effect if any of the following causes arises:

1. Where the effective period of the certificate expires;

2. Where the designation of a certification institution that has issued a certificate pursuant to Article 32(1) is revoked;

3. Where a certificate is revoked pursuant to Article 37(1).

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

Article 37(Revocation of certificates) #

(1) If any of the following causes arises, a certification institution shall abolish a certificate:

1. Where a verification institution deems that a certificate must be abolished based on a result of verification;

2. Where the certification institution recognizes the fact that the cause that makes it impossible to guarantee the reliability or effectiveness of the certificate has occurred.

(2) Where a certificate is abolish pursuant to paragraph (1), a certification institution shall without delay take measures necessary to confirm such fact, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

Article 38(Imposition of penalty surcharges) #

(1) Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy shall order a business entity to suspend business for falling under any of the subparagraphs of Article 32(1), if such suspension of business is likely to cause serious inconvenience to users or to harm public interests, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may impose and collect a penalty surcharge not exceeding 20 million won in lieu of suspension of business.

(2) The amount of a penalty surcharge and other necessary matters according to the type, degree, etc. of the violations subject to a penalty surcharge under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(3) Where a person on whom a penalty surcharge is imposed pursuant to paragraph (1) fails to pay such penalty surcharge by the payment deadline, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall collect such penalty surcharge in the same manner as national taxes in arrears.

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

Article 39(Liability for compensation and purchasing insurance) #

(1) When a certification institution causes a bodily injury or property damage to a third party due to its performance of cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs, he or shall be liable to pay damages; provided, this shall not apply where the certification institution proves that there has been no intention or negligence on its part in connection with the performance of the affairs.

(2) A certification institution shall take measures necessary for performing its liability for damages under paragraph (1), such as the subscription of an insurance policy or mutual aid fund or the accumulation of reserves according to the guidelines prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 40(Performance certification of autonomous vehicles) #

(1) Where there are no motor vehicle safety standards for the shape, specification, performance, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "type") of the structure and devices of an autonomous vehicle that a person registered under Article 30(2) of the Motor Vehicle Management Act (hereinafter referred to as "motor vehicle manufacturer, etc.") intends to manufacture, assemble, or import, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may certify performance such as safety (hereinafter referred to as "performance certification") of the relevant autonomous vehicle.

(2) Where a motor vehicle manufacturer, etc. intends to modify important matters prescribed by Presidential Decree that affect safety and performance, among the matters for which performance certification has been granted, he or she shall obtain certification for modification from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; provided, where he or she intends to modify insignificant matters prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, he or she shall file a report thereon with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

(3) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall, for performance certification and certification for modification under paragraph (2), shall confirm whether the autonomous driving system of the relevant autonomous vehicle (referring to the operational area in which the autonomous driving system can be operated normally and safely under given conditions; hereinafter the same shall apply) can operate normally in the operable area, and may conduct a test for safe driving performance (hereinafter referred to as "safe driving performance test"). In such cases, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may authorize an exclusively responsible agency under Article 49(1) to verify the operable area and conduct a test of safe driving performance on his or her behalf.

(4) Standards, objects, and methods of performance certification and modification certification under paragraph (2) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Mar. 19, 2024]

[Previous Article 40 shall be moved to Article 51 <2024. 3. 19.>]

Article 41(Approval of conformity of autonomous vehicles for which performance certification has been obtained) #

(1) Where any of the following persons prescribed by Presidential Decree intends to operate an autonomous vehicle for which performance certification has been obtained, he or she shall obtain approval from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport regarding whether the type of the relevant autonomous vehicle is in conformity with the operating environment such as roads, weather, and communications in the area to be operated (hereinafter referred to as "approval of conformity") and shall be registered pursuant to Articles 5 and 8 of the Motor Vehicle Management Act:

1. A public institution defined in subparagraph 3 of article 2 of the Official Information Disclosure Act;

2. A passenger transport business entity (referring to a person who has obtained a license for or registered for passenger transport business pursuant to Article 4(1) of the Passenger Transport Service Act);

3. A trucking transport business entity (referring to a person who has obtained a license for trucking transport business pursuant to Article 3(1) of the Trucking Transport Business Act);

(2) When the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport grants approval for conformity, he or she may attach conditions or periods necessary for ensuring traffic safety.

(3) Where a person who has obtained approval for conformity makes a new registration of the relevant autonomous vehicle pursuant to Article 8 of the Motor Vehicle Management Act (excluding cases where a new registration is made after registration is canceled), the person shall be deemed to have undergone a new inspection under Article 43(1)1 of that Act.

(4) Where a person who has obtained approval for conformity intends to change important matters prescribed by Presidential Decree, among the matters for which performance certification has been granted, he or she shall obtain approval for modification from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; provided, where he or she intends to modify insignificant matters prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, he or she shall file a report thereon with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

(5) A person who has obtained approval for conformity shall operate the relevant autonomous driving motor vehicle within the purpose, use, and scope of operation for which approval of conformity or approval for modification under paragraph (4) is granted.

(6) Standards, objects, and methods of approval for conformity and approval for modification under paragraph (4) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Mar. 19, 2024]

[Previous Article 41 shall be moved to Article 52 <2024. 3. 19.>]

Article 42(Revocation of performance certification and approval for conformity) #

(1) Where an autonomous vehicle falls under any of the following cases, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may revoke its performance certification; provided, in the case of subparagraph 1, the Minister shall revoke such certification:

1. Where an autonomous vehicle obtains performance certification by fraud or other improper means;

2. Where approval for conformity is revoked or operation is restricted because an autonomous vehicle falls under paragraph (2)5 or 6;

3. Where safe operation is impeded due to failure to meet the standards for certification under Article 40(4) or a problem in design, manufacturing, or performance.

(2) Where the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport deems that any of the following grounds exists, the Minister may revoke approval for conformity or order restrictions on operation; provided, in cases falling under subparagraph 1 or 2, the approval for conformity shall be revoked.

1. Where the autonomous vehicle obtains the approval for conformity by fraud or other improper means;

2. Where performance certification is revoked pursuant to paragraph (1);

3. Where an autonomous vehicle violates any condition or term under Article 41(2);

4. Where a person has operated an autonomous vehicle, in violation of Article 41(5);

5. Where it is deemed that safe operation is impeded due to a traffic accident occurring during operation after obtaining conformity approval;

6. Where an investigation conducted under Article 46(1) finds that a traffic accident is highly likely to occur.

(3) Where the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport revokes approval for conformity or orders a restriction on operation of an autonomous vehicle because he or she falls under paragraph (2)5, he or she may order the motor vehicle manufacturer, etc. to take measures under Article 45.

(4) Matters necessary for the revocation of performance certification under paragraph (1), revocation of approval for conformity under paragraph (2), orders to restrict operation, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Mar. 19, 2024]

[Previous Article 42 shall be moved to Article 53 <Mar. 19, 2024>]

Article 43(Responsibilities of persons who have obtained approval for conformity) #

(1) A person who has obtained approval for conformity shall purchase an insurance policy prescribed by Presidential Decree in order to compensate for any personal or material damage that may occur due to the operation of the relevant autonomous vehicle.

(2) A person who has obtained approval for compliance shall keep the details recorded in the accident recording device and autonomous driving information recorder under Article 46 for at least the period prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, he or she shall not alter or damage the accident recorder, autonomous driving information recorder, and the contents recorded thereon.

(3) A person who has obtained approval for conformity shall undergo a regular inspection (referring to an inspection conducted regularly at regular intervals after registration; hereinafter the same shall apply) of the relevant autonomous vehicle, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

(4) A person who has obtained approval for conformity shall take technical, managerial, and physical measures necessary for the safe operation of the relevant autonomous vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "safe operation measures"), as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(5) Article 34(2) through (4) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the obligation to take measures for safe driving under paragraph (4). In such cases, "certification agency" shall be deemed "a person who has obtained approval for conformity."

[This Article Added on Mar. 19, 2024]

[Previous Article 43 shall be moved to Article 54 <Mar. 19, 2024>]

Article 44(Liability of motor vehicle manufacturers) #

(1) Where a motor vehicle manufacturer, etc. sells an autonomous vehicle for which performance certification has been granted, he or she shall comply with the following matters:

1. He or she shall explain the operable area of the autonomous driving system and provide relevant data;

2. It shall be equipped with an accident recorder and autonomous driving information recorder, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport;

3. It shall secure necessary facilities and technical human resources, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and take measures for follow-up management prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may inspect whether matters to be observed under paragraph (1) are complied with, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and may order a motor vehicle manufacturer, etc. to take corrective action for any matters that require improvement.

[This Article Added on Mar. 19, 2024]

[Previous Article 44 moved to Article 55 <Mar. 19, 2024>]

Article 45(Correction of manufacturing defects) #

(1) Where an autonomous vehicle for which performance certification has been obtained fails to meet the standards for performance certification under Article 40(4), or has any defect prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, such as impeding safety due to a problem in design, manufacture, or performance, the motor vehicle manufacturer, etc. shall disclose such fact without delay, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, such as sending a text message by mail or mobile phone, etc. to ensure that a person who has obtained approval for conformity be able to clearly understand the fact from the date he or she becomes aware of such fact and the corrective action plan accordingly.

(2) The main clause of Article 31(3), (4), the main clause of Article 31(5), (6) through (12), and Article 31-2 of the Motor Vehicle Management Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the procedures and methods for defects and their disclosure and correction under paragraph (1). In such cases, "performance testing agent" shall be deemed "dedicated institution under Article 49(1)".

[This Article Added on Mar. 19, 2024]

Article 46(Management measures for operation of autonomous vehicles) #

(1) Where necessary for the safe operation, etc. of an autonomous vehicle for which approval of conformity has been granted, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may request a person who has obtained approval for conformity and a motor vehicle manufacturer, etc. for information and data prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as details recorded in an accident recorder and autonomous driving information recorder, and the person in receipt of such request shall comply therewith, except in extenuating circumstances. In such cases, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may authorize an exclusively responsible agency under Article 49(1) to investigate the information and data referred to in the former part.

(2) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may monitor the operational conditions that affect the safe operation of autonomous driving motor vehicles approved for conformity, such as breakdown, malfunction, and departure from the operable area of the autonomous driving system.

(3) Where a serious traffic accident under Article 19(2) of the Passenger Transport Service Act or Articles 19(1)11 and 32(1)12 of the Trucking Transport Business Act occurs, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shall order a person who has obtained conformity approval to conduct temporary inspections, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

(4) Except as otherwise expressly provided for in paragraphs (1) through (3), matters necessary for management measures for the operation of autonomous vehicles approved for conformity shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Mar. 19, 2024]

Article 47(Prohibition of unauthorized dismantlement and manipulation of autonomous driving system) #

(1) No person shall dismantle or operate an autonomous driving system of an autonomous vehicle for which performance certification has been granted without permission; provided, this shall not apply where a motor vehicle manufacturer, etc. modifies the autonomous driving system to improve the performance of an autonomous vehicle for which performance certification has been granted.

(2) Matters necessary for the scope of autonomous driving systems to be modified pursuant to the proviso to paragraph (1), procedures therefor, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Mar. 19, 2024]

Article 48(Special cases concerning management of motor vehicles) #

Except as otherwise provided for in Articles 40 through 47, matters necessary for self-authentication of autonomous vehicles for which a person intends to obtain performance certification and the inspection, maintenance, inspection, etc. of autonomous vehicles approved for conformity shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Mar. 19, 2024]

Article 49(Designation of dedicated institution) #

(1) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may designate the Korea Transportation Safety Authority established under the Korea Transportation Safety Authority Act as an institution exclusively in charge of the following affairs (hereinafter referred to as "dedicated institution") to ensure the safety of autonomous vehicles and support the commercialization thereof:

1. Confirmation of the operable area and vicarious execution of safe driving performance tests;

2. Examination as to whether the standards for approval of conformity and the standards for approval for modification under Article 41(6) are met;

3. Regular inspections under Article 43(3);

4. Temporary inspections under Article 46(3);

5. Establishment and operation of an integrated information system under Article 50;

6. Other affairs deemed necessary by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to ensure the safety of autonomous vehicles and support the commercialization thereof.

(2) The Government may contribute or subsidize funds necessary for the operation of a dedicated institution within budgetary limits.

(3) An exclusive organization may collect fees from the following persons, as prescribed by Presidential Decree:

1. A person who intends to obtain performance certification or modification certification under Article 40(2);

2. A person who intends to undergo an examination as to whether the standards for approval of conformity and the standards for approval for modification under Article 41(6) are met;

3. A person who intends to undergo regular inspections under Article 43(3);

4. A person who intends to undergo temporary inspections under Article 46(3).

(4) Other matters necessary for the designation, operation, etc. of an exclusive organization shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Mar. 19, 2024]

Article 50(Integrated information system for autonomous vehicles) #

(1) The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may establish and operate an integrated information system that processes the following information in order to create a foundation for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles and support the commercialization thereof:

1. Information on surveys on current status under Article 5;

2. Information on the designation, etc. of pilot operation districts under Article 7;

3. Information on performance certification;

4. Information on the approval for conformity;

5. Information and data received from a person who has obtained approval for conformity under Article 46(1) and a motor vehicle manufacturer, etc.;

6. Other information prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, infrastructure and transport to support the creation of a foundation for safe operation of autonomous vehicles and the commercialization thereof.

(2) Matters necessary for the establishment and operation of the integrated information system under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

[This Article Added on Mar. 19, 2024]

Article 51(Hearings) #

Where the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport intends to take any of the following dispositions, he or she shall hold a hearing: <Amended on Mar. 19, 2024>

1. Revocation of the designation of a training institution for specialized human resources under Article 25(3);

2. Revocation of the designation of a certification institution under Article 32(1) (excluding subparagraph 8 of the same paragraph);

3. Revocation of performance certification;

4. Revocation of approval for conformity.

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

[Moved from Article 40 <Mar. 19, 2024>]

Article 52(Delegation of authority and entrustment of business affairs) #

(1) Part of the authority of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport under this Act may be delegated to the Mayor/Do Governor or the head of an institution under his or her management as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) Some of the duties of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport under this Act may be entrusted to an institution with human resources and equipment necessary for performing the entrusted duties, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[Moved from Article 41 <Mar. 19, 2024>]

Article 53(Legal fiction as public official in application of penalty provisions) #

Any of the following persons shall be deemed a public official for purposes of applying penalty provisions under Articles 127 and 129 through 132 of the Criminal Act: <Amended on Mar. 19, 2024>

1. A member of the Committee who is not a public official;

2. A person engaged in the business of performance certification;

3. A person engaged in the business of approval for conformity.

[Moved from Article 42 <Mar. 19, 2024>]

Article 54(Penalty provisions) #

(1) Any person who conceals, reduces, or discloses a defect falsely, or fails to correct the defect without delay from the date he or she becomes aware of the defect, in violation of Article 45(1) shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than 10 years or by a fine not exceeding 100 million won. <Added on Mar. 19, 2024>

(2) Any person who uses video data collected in accordance with Article 20-2(1) for the purpose of identifying a specific individual, in violation of paragraph (2) of that Article, or uses or provides it for purposes other than those provided in this Act, shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than 5 years or by a fine not exceeding 50 million won. <Added on Mar. 17, 2026>

(3) Any person who dismantles or manipulates an autonomous driving system without permission, in violation of Article 47(1), shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than 3 years or by a fine not exceeding 30 million won. <Added on Mar. 19, 2024; Mar. 17, 2026>

(4) Any person who fails to purchase an insurance policy, in violation of Article 19 or 43(1), shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than 2 years or by a fine not exceeding 20 million won: <Amended on Mar. 19, 2024; Mar. 17, 2026>

(5) Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than 1 year or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won: <Added on Mar. 19, 2024; Mar. 17, 2026>

1. A person who has obtained performance certification by fraud or other improper means;

2. A person who has violated an order under Article 42(2) or (3) or 44(2).

(6) Any person who fails to comply with an order for temporary inspections under Article 46(3) shall be punished by a fine not exceeding 1 million won. <Added on Mar. 19, 2024; Mar. 17, 2026>

[Moved from Article 43 <Mar. 19, 2024>]

Article 55(Administrative fines) #

(1) Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 30 million won: <Added on Mar. 17, 2026>

1. A person who fails to take technical or administrative measures necessary to ensure safety, in violation of Article 20-2(3);

2. A person who fails to destroy video data containing specific personal information, in violation of Article 20-2(4).

(2) Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 20 million won: <Added on Mar. 19, 2024; Mar. 17, 2026>

1. A person who fails to keep the contents recorded in an accident recorder or autonomous driving information recorder for a specified period or alters or damages the accident recorder or autonomous driving information recorder or the contents recorded therein, in violation of Article 43(2);

2. A person who fails to take safety measures, in violation of Article 43(4);

3. A person who fails to submit data under Article 46(1) or submits false data.

(3) Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 5 million won: <Amended on Mar. 19, 2024; Mar. 17, 2026>

1. A person who fails to transfer information related to a certificate which ceases to be effective pursuant to subparagraph 2 of Article 36 without good cause, in violation of Article 32(2);

2. A person who fails to submit the relevant data as referred to in Article 34(3) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 29(2)) or submits false records, or who refuses, obstructs, or evades an entrance and inspection by the relevant public officials;

3. A person who fails to formulate a plan for the prevention of and response to failures in conducting cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs, in violation of Article 35(1) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 29(2));

4. A person who fails to report on the occurrence of a failure in cooperative autonomous driving certification affairs, in violation of Article 35(4) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 29(2));

5. A person who fails to purchase an insurance policy or mutual aid, or to take necessary measures such as accumulating reserves, in violation of Article 39.

(4) Any person who fails to undergo regular inspections under Article 43(3) shall be punished by an administrative fine not exceeding 1 million won. <Added on Mar. 19, 2024; Mar. 17, 2026>

(5) Administrative fines under paragraphs (1) through (4) shall be imposed and collected by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 19, 2024; Mar. 17, 2026>

[This Article Added on Jul. 27, 2021]

[Moved from Article 44 <Mar. 19, 2024>]