Illegal Use of Disabled Parking Permits Surges in South Korea… Fivefold Increase in Four Years

Illegal Use of Disabled Parking Permits Surges in South Korea… Fivefold Increase in Four Years

Seokmin Kim, 2024 / 9 / 14

In South Korea, only vehicles displaying a valid disabled parking permit are legally allowed to park in spaces reserved for disabled individuals. However, recent reports have highlighted a concerning rise in the fraudulent use of these permits, with cases in the city of Daejeon alone experiencing a dramatic increase over the past four years.  

One such incident took place at a traditional market in Daejeon. A vehicle was seen parked in a disabled parking space, complete with a disabled parking permit displayed on the windshield. Yet, closer examination revealed that the vehicle owner was not disabled, and the license plate had been strategically covered to avoid detection. Authorities issued a fine of 2 million won for the fraudulent use of the permit. In another case, a different vehicle had similarly obscured its license plate while displaying a disabled parking permit, and further investigation confirmed that the vehicle was not registered as a disability-accessible one.  

A local resident who reported these violations shared their frustration, noting, "There are very few designated parking spaces for disabled individuals, and I have witnessed how much they suffer when they can’t find a place to park." This growing issue has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by disabled people who rely on accessible parking.  

Despite the introduction of disabled parking spaces more than 20 years ago, violations remain widespread, and the situation appears to be worsening. Since 2020, the number of cases involving the misuse of disabled parking permits in Daejeon has surpassed 670, showing a nearly fivefold increase compared to figures from four years earlier. This surge is largely attributed to the inadequate number of enforcement personnel, such as police and local government staff, allowing violators to exploit gaps in monitoring.  

A professor specializing in social welfare emphasized the need for more proactive measures, stating, "Currently, enforcement actions are only taken when someone files a report. We should be implementing large-scale monitoring and actively working to educate the public about these regulations. A more aggressive approach to awareness and prevention is necessary."  

Under current South Korean law, individuals caught using disabled parking permits fraudulently can face fines of up to 3 million won. Nevertheless, despite the hefty penalties, the practice continues to thrive among inconsiderate drivers, underscoring the need for stronger deterrents and improved enforcement strategies to protect the rights of disabled individuals.