Drivers caught for not having mandatory car insurance will face criminal charges, MBC TV reported Monday following a recommendation by the Anti-Corruption & Civil Rights Commission (ACRC).

The move is aimed to keep criminals from using ``daepocha'' ― vehicles registered under false names or unregistered cars ― for various crimes.

These vehicles are mostly uninsured, leaving victims from car accidents unprotected by insurance policies.

There are more than 1 million daepocha nationwide, according to government sources.

The government is expected to act on the recommendation from the ACRC to allow police officers to inquire into the status of a driver's insurance when they conduct sobriety tests. If the drivers are not insured, then they will be arrested.

The move comes as an increasing number of these cars are being used in the commission of felonies.

``The measure is expected to reduce crimes involving daepocha,'' ACRC Chairman Lee Jae-oh said.

Additionally, provincial governments will be allowed to seize and auction off cars of criminals evading tax payments on their vehicles.
If enacted by the National Assembly, the measure is likely to take effect next year at the earliest.

These vehicles have been used as tools by owners to evade taxes, speeding tickets and even tracking by police when committing crimes, as they buy the cars using bogus names and fake addresses.

So far, only district offices have been involved in cracking down on the owners but this has produced no tangible results.

ksy@koreatimes.co.kr