From September, 'Stealth Cars' Will Disappear... Automatic Headlights and Taillights to Be Mandatory

South Korea is set to eliminate "stealth cars" by mandating automatic activation of headlights and taillights starting in September. This measure aims to reduce the number of vehicles difficult to spot at night due to unlit lamps.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on May 4th that it would publicly announce revisions to the "Rules on Performance and Standards of Automobiles and Automobile Parts." Effective September 1st, all vehicles manufactured or imported, including passenger cars, vans, and trucks, must be equipped with a system that automatically turns on headlights and taillights based on ambient light detection.

Furthermore, starting May 5th, newly manufactured or imported electric vehicles will feature revised brake light standards. Brake lights will automatically illuminate when the vehicle decelerates at a speed exceeding 1.3 meters per second. This change addresses issues with electric vehicles' "one-pedal driving" function, where brake lights often did not activate during deceleration, potentially hindering rear drivers' awareness of the vehicle slowing down and increasing accident risks.