Lending of driver's license to become criminal offense starting Sept.

A police officer runs a DUI check in front of the Capital Defense Command in Seoul, April 28, 2023. Newsis

Individuals who lend or borrow a driver's license will face criminal penalties, including a maximum imprisonment of two years, beginning from Sept. 20, the National Police Agency said Sunday.

Previously, those who lent their driver's license merely received administrative measures such as a suspension of their license or revocation, while those who borrowed a license faced punishment for the illegal presentation of an official document, only when they were caught while using it.

The tougher penalties that punish the act of lending and borrowing itself come as the amended Road Traffic Act was proclaimed last Tuesday and will take effect six months from now — on Sept. 20.

The revised legislation forbids individuals from lending or borrowing a driver's license, as well as aiding and abetting such an act. Violators will face imprisonment for a maximum of two years or be charged with fines of up to 5 million won ($3,700).

Police have pushed for the revision of the law with the National Assembly to enforce stricter penalties against the lending or borrowing of a driver's license, based on the belief that attempts to evade law enforcement efforts such as crackdowns on drunk driving have been frequent.

"As the revised law clearly stipulates penalties, illicit acts involving the driver's license are expected to decrease," an official from the agency said.