South Korea has announced a partial amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the Automobile Management Act (자동차관리법 시행규칙) to enhance vehicle safety management and regulatory oversight. The revised rules were promulgated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) on 2 December 2025 and will take effect on 1 January 2026.
The amendment strengthens requirements related to accident data access, recall compliance, and vehicle inspection procedures.
Regulatory Background
The update follows revisions to the Automobile Management Act under Law No. 20554, promulgated on 3 December 2024 and effective from 4 December 2025. As a subordinate regulation, the Enforcement Rules were updated to ensure alignment with the amended Act and to support its effective enforcement.
Mandatory Availability of Accident Data Extraction Equipment
Under the revised rules, manufacturers and sellers of vehicles equipped with event data recorders (EDRs) must ensure that accident data extraction equipment is made available for distribution and sale. This requirement supports accurate accident investigations and improves overall road safety management.
Disclosure of Equipment Purchase Information
Automobile manufacturers and distributors are also required to publicly disclose information on where and how accident data extraction equipment can be obtained. This information must be made accessible through official websites or printed materials, improving transparency for vehicle owners and inspection authorities
Stricter Oversight of Recalls and Defect Repairs
The amended rules introduce tighter controls on vehicles subject to recall or safety defect correction plans. Vehicles that remain unrepaired 18 months after corrective actions begin may be deemed non-compliant during regular vehicle inspections.
However, if delays are caused by unavoidable factors such as parts shortages or manufacturer-related constraints, inspection validity periods may be extended to allow repairs to be completed.
Effective Date and Compliance Timeline
The revised Enforcement Rules will enter into force on 1 January 2026. From this date, all manufacturers, importers, and sellers must comply with the updated safety and inspection requirements.
Implications for the Automotive Industry
Automotive stakeholders operating in South Korea should take immediate steps to:
- Review compliance systems related to recalls and inspections
- Ensure the availability and disclosure of accident data extraction tools
- Monitor defect correction timelines closely
- Update internal procedures in line with the revised Enforcement Rules
Early preparation will help companies avoid inspection failures and regulatory penalties.
Future Regulatory Direction
The amendment reflects South Korea’s continued efforts to modernize its automotive regulatory framework in response to advancing vehicle technologies and growing safety expectations. Further regulatory updates addressing vehicle data, safety systems, and defect management are expected as enforcement intensifies.
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