Korea DUI Ignition Interlock Cost Calculator

Estimate whether a repeat DUI driver is subject to Korea's ignition interlock condition, the disqualification and attachment period, and buy-versus-rent costs.

Eligibility and period

Accident type

Device cost assumptions

Attachment target

Target

Applies to repeat DUI/refusal within 5 years.

Full restriction period

4 years

2 years disqualified + 2 years attached

Buy total

₩3,070,000

Rent total

₩2,170,000

Recommended by Korean model

Timeline

Revocation date
2026-06-01
Earliest conditional re-acquisition
2028-06-01
Device obligation ends
2030-06-01
Inspection count
8 inspections

Selected-method breakdown

Selected total
₩2,170,000
Recommended method savings
₩900,000
Attachment months
24 months
Inspections per year
4

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What Is the Korea DUI Ignition Interlock Cost Calculator?

Korea's ignition interlock device is a breath-alcohol prevention device that blocks vehicle start when alcohol is detected. The amended Road Traffic Act Article 80-2 took effect on October 25, 2024 and created a conditional driver's license for repeat DUI or breath-test refusal offenders.

This calculator estimates whether the driver is subject to the device, how long the disqualification and attachment periods last, the re-acquisition and normal-recovery timeline, and whether buying or renting the device is cheaper.

Important Note

The device requirement applies when a driver is revoked for DUI or refusal after another DUI or refusal within 5 years. A single DUI is not an ignition-interlock target under this model.

Who Must Attach the Device?

  • The target is a driver whose license was revoked for DUI or breath-test refusal after repeating the same kind of violation within 5 years.
  • The device condition applies when the driver re-acquires a license after the disqualification period.
  • The license is a conditional license, and the driver may operate only a vehicle where the approved device is installed and registered.
  • Driving a non-device vehicle during the conditional period can create separate criminal and administrative exposure.

Disqualification and Attachment Periods

CaseDisqualificationAttachmentTotal restriction
Repeat DUI or refusal with no personal injury2 years2 years4 years
DUI personal-injury accident3 years3 years6 years
DUI death accident or fleeing after casualties5 years5 years10 years

Cost Assumptions Preserved From the Korean Model

  • Default purchase price: KRW 2,500,000.
  • Default monthly rental: KRW 80,000.
  • Default installation fee: KRW 150,000.
  • Default inspection fee: KRW 40,000 per inspection.
  • Default removal fee: KRW 100,000.
  • Inspection cycle options are every 2 months, every 3 months, or every 6 months.

Penalty Warnings

  • Driving without the required condition or without the device can be punished by up to 1 year imprisonment or up to KRW 3,000,000 fine.
  • Bypassing, tampering with, or improperly using the device can be punished more heavily, up to 3 years imprisonment or up to KRW 30,000,000 fine in the Korean content.
  • Installation and inspection schedules should be treated as part of license compliance, not merely as a cost issue.

FAQ

Does the attachment period run during the disqualification period?

No. The Korean model starts the attachment period after license re-acquisition, so the total restriction period is disqualification plus attachment.

Is renting always cheaper?

No. Renting can be cheaper for shorter periods, but purchase can become cheaper when the attachment period is long.

Legal Use Notice

This page translates the Korean calculator content and uses the same Korean pure calculation logic where a calculator is shown. It is an estimation tool, not legal advice for a specific case.