No, applying makeup while driving in South Korea is prohibited under the Road Traffic Act, as it constitutes distracted driving. Violators face fines up to ₩30,000 (≈$23) and potential license demerit points. Local enforcement agencies, including the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KTSA), actively monitor such behaviors, particularly in urban areas like Seoul and Busan.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in South Korea
- Road Traffic Act (제44조) explicitly bans “any act that impairs driving concentration,” including grooming or makeup application. The law targets visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.
- Enforcement Guidelines (2024 KTSA Circular) classify makeup use as a primary offense, allowing immediate traffic stops. Officers may issue on-the-spot fines without prior warning.
- 2026 Compliance Updates: Proposed amendments to the Act will expand distracted driving penalties to include dashboard-mounted devices (e.g., mirrors) used for makeup application, aligning with EU-style “hands-free” standards.
Local courts have upheld convictions under these provisions, citing studies from the National Police Agency linking makeup-related distractions to rear-end collisions. Exceptions exist only for medical emergencies (e.g., allergic reactions), requiring documented proof. Public awareness campaigns by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) emphasize the risks, with 2025 surveys showing 78% of drivers support stricter enforcement.