Drunk Driving Penalty Checker
Choose a few options to see the statutory penalty (the range of punishment set by law) and the standards for license measures. This does not predict the sentence you will actually receive.
The figure on the paper you were given at the stop. If it was measured again with a blood test, enter that figure.
This is based on driving a car, motorcycle (motorized bicycle) or construction machinery. Personal mobility devices such as electric scooters, and bicycles, are covered by different penalty rules — a fine of up to KRW 200,000, short-term detention or a petty fine (Road Traffic Act, Article 156(11)) — and if you drove without a license, the disqualification period rules are different.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the penalty for drunk driving at 0.03%?
- At a blood alcohol level of 0.03% or more but under 0.08%, with no prior record within 10 years, the statutory penalty is up to 1 year in prison or a fine of up to KRW 5 million (Road Traffic Act, Article 148-2(3)(3)). The license is suspended with 100 penalty points, and the suspension period is, as a rule, 100 days. However, if someone was injured or you have a previous record of drunk driving or test refusal, the license is revoked.
- How much heavier is the penalty above 0.08% or 0.2%?
- With no prior record within 10 years, 0.08% or more but under 0.2% means 1 to 2 years in prison or a fine of KRW 5 million to 10 million, and 0.2% or more means 2 to 5 years in prison or a fine of KRW 10 million to 20 million. A level of 0.08% or more meets the standard for license revocation, and if there was no prior record and no accident, you cannot get a new license for 1 year (the disqualification period).
- What happens if I refuse an alcohol test?
- Refusing a test when there are reasonable grounds to believe you were drunk is punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison or a fine of KRW 5 million to 20 million, and the license must be revoked. If you do not accept the breath test result, you can be tested again, for example by taking a blood sample with your consent, but refusing the breath test itself may count as test refusal.
- How is a repeat drunk driving offense punished?
- If you offend again within 10 years of the date a fine or heavier sentence in the earlier case became final, 0.2% or more means 2 to 6 years in prison or a fine of KRW 10 million to 30 million, and 0.03% or more but under 0.2% means 1 to 5 years in prison or a fine of KRW 5 million to 20 million. If you have ever driven drunk, refused a test or obstructed a test before, the license is revoked however long ago that was, and without an accident the disqualification period is 2 years.
This result is for reference only and is based on the Road Traffic Act (도로교통법) and Attached Table 28 of the Enforcement Rules of the Road Traffic Act, the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes and the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents as in force in October 2026. The provisions and measures that actually apply depend on the specific facts, such as how the test was done, the date earlier convictions became final and what happened in the accident, so talk to a lawyer before making any decision.
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