In a move to enhance road safety and regulate modifications, South Korea has implemented mandatory bi-annual safety inspections for motorcycles, effective today, April 28th. This new regulation, announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) on the 27th, brings motorcycles in line with automobiles regarding regular safety checks.

The "Rules on the Implementation of Motorcycle Inspections, etc." and amendments to the "Enforcement Rules of the Motor Vehicle Management Act" mandate that all large motorcycles and medium and small-sized motorcycles manufactured after 2018 must undergo a safety inspection every two years. Owners of new motorcycles will have a three-year grace period before the first inspection is required.

These inspections will be available at 59 locations operated by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA) and 476 authorized private inspection centers across the country. The comprehensive checks aim to ensure the roadworthiness of motorcycles, addressing concerns about safety standards and illegal modifications.

Failure to comply with the new inspection requirements will result in a tiered fine system. Late inspections within the first 30 days will incur a 20,000 KRW penalty. For delays between 31 and 84 days, the fine will escalate from 20,000 KRW, increasing by 10,000 KRW for every three days exceeding the initial 30-day period. A fixed penalty of 200,000 KRW will be levied for delays of 85 days or more.

Recognizing the need for a smooth transition, MOLIT has announced a three-month enforcement grace period. Until July 27th, motorcycle owners who miss their scheduled regular inspection will be granted an extension to comply without immediate penalties.

Beyond the regular safety inspections, the new regulations introduce additional inspection categories for motorcycles. A "usage inspection" will now be required for motorcycles that have been out of service before they can be legally reactivated. Previously, only a notification was necessary in such cases.

Furthermore, a "tuning inspection" has been established to oversee modifications made to motorcycles after their initial purchase. While the existing "tuning approval" system required modifications to meet safety standards, the new rule mandates a post-modification inspection within 45 days of the alteration to ensure ongoing compliance.

In a move to address the issue of existing illegal modifications, MOLIT has provided a three-year grace period, until April 27th, 2028, for owners of illegally modified motorcycles to restore their vehicles to their original, compliant condition. Failure to do so by the deadline may result in the motorcycle being deemed non-compliant and potentially prohibited from road use.

This comprehensive overhaul of motorcycle inspection regulations signifies the South Korean government's commitment to improving road safety for all users. By implementing regular checks and closely monitoring modifications, authorities aim to reduce accidents and ensure that all motorcycles operating on public roads meet stringent safety standards. Motorcycle owners are urged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and schedule their inspections accordingly to avoid penalties and contribute to a safer transportation environment.