[25.12.28] Prosecutors and Police Tighten Vehicle Seizure Rules for Repeat DUI Offenders

Prosecutors and Police Tighten Vehicle Seizure Rules for Repeat DUI Offenders

📍Repeat offenses during probation or suspended sentences to result in vehicle confiscation

South Korean prosecutors and police have announced strengthened measures to curb repeat drunk driving offenses, including expanded vehicle seizure and forfeiture rules and tougher sentencing recommendations.

Prosecutors and police are significantly strengthening vehicle seizure and forfeiture standards to eradicate repeat drunk driving offenses and are actively pursuing harsher sentencing recommendations that reflect sentencing guidelines.

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🔹 Focus on Reducing Repeat Offenses
The Supreme Prosecutors’ Office announced that it has implemented a comprehensive plan to eradicate drunk driving in cooperation with the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Justice’s Crime Prevention Policy Bureau.
While the number of DUI offenders and fatalities has declined over the past decade, authorities noted that repeat offense rates have shown little improvement, prompting a renewed focus on recidivism prevention.

🔹 Expanded Vehicle Seizure and Forfeiture Criteria
Under the strengthened measures, vehicles will be seized or forfeited in a broader range of cases. Previously, confiscation applied mainly to fatal DUI accidents and habitual offenders.
New criteria now include repeat offenses during probation or suspended sentences, offenses committed during ongoing DUI trials, and cases where offenders with prior DUI records register a blood alcohol concentration of 0.2 percent or higher. Refusal to undergo breathalyzer testing will be treated the same.

🔹 Stronger Sentencing Through Aggravating Factors
Prosecutors will actively apply “special aggravating factors” under Supreme Court sentencing guidelines, such as high risk to public safety, serious disruption of official duties, and repeat offenses.
Police will collect relevant evidence at enforcement sites, while prosecutors will seek harsher penalties and file appeals if aggravating factors are insufficiently reflected in court rulings.

🔹 Enhanced Supervision of Habitual Offenders
For habitual DUI offenders likely to receive suspended sentences, prosecutors will request strict compliance conditions, including alcohol restrictions and enhanced probation supervision.
Any violation may lead to immediate reporting and consideration of revoking suspended sentences.

A prosecution official stated, “We will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to protect public safety and eliminate drunk driving from everyday life.”

One-line summary : South Korean prosecutors and police have introduced tougher measures, including expanded vehicle seizures and harsher sentencing, to curb repeat drunk driving offenses.