South Korea announces stricter railway safety regulations

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has announced a legislative notice for amendments to the enforcement decrees and rules of the Railway Safety Act, aimed at enhancing rail safety. The changes, scheduled to take effect on December 17, focus on preventing intoxication and ensuring access for safety inspections.

Under the new regulations, railway operators such as the Korea Railroad Corporation will face progressive fines for failing to report or for falsifying information regarding a staff member's alcohol or drug use. Fines are set at 1.5 million won for a first offense, 3 million won for a second, and 4.5 million won for three or more violations. The authority to impose these fines is delegated to the Railway Special Judicial Police.

To prevent attempts to manipulate breathalyzer results, the law strictly prohibits additional drinking or the use of specific medications that affect blood alcohol levels, specifically naming verapamil hydrochloride and erythromycin.

Additionally, the amendments address access to railway protection zones. Landowners who refuse or obstruct emergency access to private land within 30 meters of the railway boundary for safety inspections will face fines of 300,000 won for the first instance, 600,000 won for the second, and 900,000 won for the third.