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Written on 2026-10-26 after checking public pages from the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, law.go.kr and easylaw. 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.
A Korea car inspection can be done from 90 days before to 31 days after the inspection validity expiry date. Miss the car inspection period and a fine applies, growing the longer you wait. Here is how to check the date, book, and what the fines and reductions are.
Who this is for
- Drivers unsure when their inspection is due
- Anyone who missed it and wants to know the fine
- Anyone wondering whether a fine can be reduced
1. When is the car inspection period?
- The window is 90 days before to 31 days after the validity expiry date.
- If you pass within the window, it counts as done on the expiry date, so going early doesn’t shorten your next cycle.
- A new non-commercial passenger car’s first validity period is 4 years.
- If you buy a car whose validity has already expired, you have 31 days from the transfer registration.
- Theft, accidents, seizure or long repairs can qualify for an extension or deferral.
Note: some people say “31 days before or after expiry,” but the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (TS) and the law say 90 days before and 31 days after.
2. How do you check the date and book a car inspection?
- On the TS Cyber Inspection Center (μ¬μ΄λ²κ²μ¬μ), “Inspection validity lookup” shows the start and expiry dates from the plate number.
- To book, enter the plate number and date of birth (first 6 digits of the business/corporate number for companies), check the available window, then choose a center and date.
- To book by phone, call the TS customer center at 1577-0990 and press 0 for an agent.
3. How much is the fine for a late car inspection?
| Days late | Fine |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 days | 40,000 KRW |
| 31 to 114 days | 40,000 KRW + 20,000 KRW for every 3 days beyond, from day 31 |
| 115 days or more | 600,000 KRW |
- Motorcycles: 20,000 KRW / +10,000 KRW per 3 days / up to 200,000 KRW.
- Ignoring it for long can lead to an inspection order, a suspension-of-operation order, and plate seizure.
4. Can the late-inspection fine be reduced?
- Under the general rules of Table 2 of the Motor Vehicle Management Act Enforcement Decree, fines can be cut by up to half in cases set by law (such as basic livelihood recipients), minor mistakes, or efforts to correct the violation. Not available if you have unpaid fines.
- Extension or deferral periods are excluded from the delay.
- Under the Act on the Regulation of Violations of Public Order, paying voluntarily within the opinion deadline can reduce the fine by up to 20%. Check your notice and the issuing office for whether and how it applies.
- Traffic fines like speeding are covered in our e-Fine traffic fines guide.
5. What do the fines look like in practice?
Example (illustrative numbers): after the window closes
- 20 days late: 40,000 won
- 115 days or more late: 600,000 won (cap)
Between 31 and 114 days, 20,000 won is added for every 3 days beyond, from day 31, so go by the amount on your notice.
Common mistakes
- Believing the window is only “31 days either side”
- Thinking an early inspection moves the next date earlier
- Not checking the window after buying a used car
- Not reporting a reduction reason before the deadline
Checklist
- β Checked the validity expiry date?
- β Booked within 90 days before to 31 days after?
- β Applied for an extension or deferral if eligible?
- β Checked the opinion deadline on any fine notice?
Related guides
FAQ
Is it 31 days either side of expiry?
No. TS and the law say 90 days before and 31 days after.
Does going early move my next date?
No. Passing in the window counts as done on the expiry date.
Where do I check the expiry date?
The TS Cyber Inspection Center’s validity lookup, by plate number.
Can I book by phone?
Yes, call 1577-0990 and press 0 for an agent.
Maximum fine?
600,000 won for cars, 200,000 won for motorcycles.
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