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Written on 2026-10-26 after checking public pages from law.go.kr, easylaw and the National Police Agency. Where agencies differ, both are shown; check with each agency before acting. No logged-in screens were viewed. The only image is a self-made illustration. This is general information, not legal or tax advice, and nothing here promises income.
The diagram below is a self-made illustration, not a real screen.
You can check Korean traffic fines on e-Fine (이파인), the National Police Agency’s traffic civil service. When a camera ticket notice arrives, first tell whether it’s a gwataeryo (administrative fine) or a beomchikgeum (penalty fine). They differ in who pays, penalty points and reductions. Here is how to check them and pay less on time.
Who this is for
- Anyone who got an advance notice and isn’t sure what to do
- Anyone confused by the two fine types
- Anyone wondering how much paying early saves
1. What is the difference between gwataeryo and beomchikgeum?
| Gwataeryo | Beomchikgeum | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Vehicle owner (driver not identified) | Driver |
| Penalty points | No | Yes |
| Record | None | Summary trial if unpaid |
- Camera detections first send an advance notice to the owner. If the driver is identified, it becomes a beomchikgeum.
- A beomchikgeum can be paid after the driver receives the notice at a police station or box, or on e-Fine.
2. How do you check traffic fines on e-Fine?
- On e-Fine you can check your own fines (after login).
- You can also call 182.
3. Is there a 20% reduction for paying early? (check with each agency)
- The Act on the Regulation of Violations of Public Order lets a fine be cut by up to 20% if paid within the opinion deadline (at least 10 days).
- The police advance notice form says the 20% applies only to certain minor violations listed in the Road Traffic Act Enforcement Rules (e.g. speeding by 20 km/h or less).
- The two describe different scopes, so both are shown; check with each agency whether your notice lists a reduced amount.
- Paying early ends the procedure, so you can’t object afterwards.
4. Who gets a 50% reduction?
- Basic livelihood recipients, single-parent families, people with severe disabilities (formerly grades 1-3), wounded national merit recipients grades 1-3, and minors (under 19 when applying)
- No unpaid fines, and proof must be submitted before the opinion deadline.
- It can combine with the 20%: example (illustrative numbers): 1,000,000 → 500,000 after 50% → 400,000 after 20%.
- Jointly owned vehicles may have different conditions; check with the issuing office.
5. How do you pay a traffic fine?
- Virtual account, internet giro, internet banking, bank or post office counter, credit card, or e-Fine
6. What happens if you pay late?
- A gwataeryo gets a 5% surcharge after the deadline.
- A beomchikgeum not paid within 10 days gets +20% for a second 20-day deadline, then goes to summary trial. Paying the amount +50% before the ruling cancels the trial.
- Fines for late car inspections are in our car inspection fines guide.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring the advance notice until the deadline passes
- Assuming every violation gets the 20% reduction
- Missing the proof deadline for the 50% reduction
- Paying early when you actually want to object
Checklist
- ☐ Gwataeryo or beomchikgeum?
- ☐ Opinion deadline checked?
- ☐ Reduced amount shown on the notice?
- ☐ Proof ready if you qualify for 50%?
Related guides
FAQ
Do I need to log in?
Yes, your own lookup is after login. You can also call 182.
Do gwataeryo carry penalty points?
No. Beomchikgeum do.
Is every fine reduced 20%?
The public order act allows up to 20%, but the police form limits it to certain minor violations. Check with each agency.
Can 50% and 20% combine?
Yes. Example (illustrative numbers): 1,000,000 → 500,000 → 400,000 won.
Beomchikgeum not paid in 10 days?
+20% for a second 20-day deadline, then summary trial.
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