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South Korea vs United States: Driving Rules Compared
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South Korea docks 15 penalty points for using a phone while driving, a far steeper hit than most systems in this comparison. Its motorways default to 100 km/h against 104 in the US, and its alcohol limit is stricter too, 0.03 against 0.08.
| Category | South Korea | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Right |
| Urban Speed Limit | 50 km/h | 40 km/h |
| Rural Speed Limit | 60 km/h | 88 km/h |
| Motorway Limit | 100 km/h | Speed limits vary by state; typical: 25-35 mph urban, 55 mph rural, 65-75 mph highway |
| Alcohol Limit | 0.03% | 0.08% |
| Driving Age | 18 | 16 |
| Winter Tyres | Not required | Situational |
| Studded Tyres | Not Published | Restricted |
| Warning Triangle | ✅ | Recommended |
| Reflective Vest | Recommended | Recommended |
| First Aid Kit | ❌ | Recommended |
| Fire Extinguisher | ❌ | Recommended |
| Breathalyzer | ❌ | ❌ |
| Min Tread Depth | 1.6 mm | — |
| IDP Required | Required | Recommended |
| EU Licence Valid | ❌ | ✅ |
| Max Stay (Months) | 12 | 3 |
| Emergency Number | 112 | 911 |
Driving Strictness Score
Based on BAC limits, required equipment, winter tyre laws, penalties, and enforcement
2/10
Relaxed
3/10
Relaxed
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Driving in South Korea
Complete guide with speed limits, rules & tips
Driving in United States
Complete guide with speed limits, rules & tips
South Korea Tyre Laws
Winter tyres, tread depth & regulations
United States Tyre Laws
Winter tyres, tread depth & regulations
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Norway vs Sweden 2026: Both Drive Right, NOK 1,000 Fine
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Poland Drives on the Right: 2026 Rules, 140 km/h, 0.02
Poland vs Spain 2026: 140 km/h Meets a 0.02 Alcohol Cap
Poland vs Turkey 2026: 140 km/h Cap Meets 0.05 Alcohol
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Portugal Speed Limits 2026: 120 km/h, 0.05% vs UK's 0.08%
Portugal vs Brazil 2026: Brazil's Zero Alcohol Dates to 2012
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Portugal vs the US 2026: Same Right-Hand Side, 120 km/h Cap
Portugal vs Turkey 2026: Winter Tyres Not Required at All
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Romania to Germany by Car, 2026: 0.00 BAC, 20 Points
Romania vs Spain 2026: Zero Alcohol, No Exceptions
Romania vs Turkey 2026: Zero Alcohol Meets a 0.05 Cap
Romania vs US 2026: Right Side, 130 km/h, 0.00% Alcohol
Russia vs Germany 2026: Summer Tyres Banned in Winter
S. Korea vs China 2026: One Phone Call, 15 Points Gone
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Serbia vs Japan 2026: 0.02 vs 0.03 BAC, Opposite Sides
Serbia vs Turkey 2026: A Stricter 0.02 Alcohol Limit
Serbia vs UK 2026: A One-Year Head Start on the Wheel
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