How South Korea controls high emitters
South Korea
Related to
South Korea has been using Opus remote sensing devices to monitor emissions from in-use vehicles as part of its periodic inspection programs since 2013. This initiative, managed by the Korea Environment Corporation under the Ministry of Environment, plays a critical role in the country’s efforts to reduce vehicle emissions. Each year, the program measures emissions from 2 to 3 million vehicles across 39 different locations, making it one of the most extensive vehicle emissions remote sensing programs worldwide.
Certain registered vehicles in South Korea are subject to in-use emission limits, which vary based on vehicle type and manufacturing year. If a vehicle exceeds these limits—defined as 3x the standard applied during periodic technical inspections—it is flagged as a high emitter. In such cases, the vehicle owner is notified and encouraged to have the vehicle inspected.
If the same vehicle exceeds the emission limits a second time within the same year, the response becomes more stringent. The owner receives an official order for improvement, requiring the vehicle to be taken out of service and repaired at a designated inspection and maintenance facility within 15 days. Failure to comply results in a fine, reinforcing the importance of timely action to address high emissions.
South Korea’s program exemplifies how advanced technology and strict enforcement can be combined to manage vehicle emissions effectively. By identifying high emitters early and ensuring swift corrective measures, the country is making significant strides toward cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Related to
South Korea has been using Opus remote sensing devices to monitor emissions from in-use vehicles as part of its periodic inspection programs since 2013. This initiative, managed by the Korea Environment Corporation under the Ministry of Environment, plays a critical role in the country’s efforts to reduce vehicle emissions. Each year, the program measures emissions from 2 to 3 million vehicles across 39 different locations, making it one of the most extensive vehicle emissions remote sensing programs worldwide.
Certain registered vehicles in South Korea are subject to in-use emission limits, which vary based on vehicle type and manufacturing year. If a vehicle exceeds these limits—defined as 3x the standard applied during periodic technical inspections—it is flagged as a high emitter. In such cases, the vehicle owner is notified and encouraged to have the vehicle inspected.
If the same vehicle exceeds the emission limits a second time within the same year, the response becomes more stringent. The owner receives an official order for improvement, requiring the vehicle to be taken out of service and repaired at a designated inspection and maintenance facility within 15 days. Failure to comply results in a fine, reinforcing the importance of timely action to address high emissions.
South Korea’s program exemplifies how advanced technology and strict enforcement can be combined to manage vehicle emissions effectively. By identifying high emitters early and ensuring swift corrective measures, the country is making significant strides toward cleaner air and a healthier environment.