No, lane splitting is explicitly prohibited under South Korea’s Road Traffic Act (제5조, 도로교통법), enforced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). Motorcyclists may not overtake vehicles by navigating between lanes, even at low speeds. Violations incur fines up to ₩50,000 (≈$38) and potential license suspension under 2026 amendments tightening two-wheeler enforcement.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in South Korea
- Article 5(1) of the Road Traffic Act bans lane splitting, classifying it as “improper lane changes” subject to penalties under Article 90.
- MOLIT’s 2026 Compliance Directive mandates stricter police patrols in Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, targeting motorcyclists filtering through congested arterials like Gangnam-daero or Ulsan’s industrial zones.
- Local ordinances in metropolitan cities (e.g., Seoul’s Seoul Metropolitan City Ordinance on Traffic Safety) reinforce national prohibitions, with additional municipal fines for repeat offenders near school zones or construction sites.
Enforcement prioritizes high-risk areas where lane splitting correlates with 30% of motorcycle accidents annually, per Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA) 2025 data. Courts rarely overturn violations unless motorcyclists prove imminent danger, a burden of proof rarely met.