Text alerts on overseas driving information to be sent when international driving permits are issued, starting on the 16th

[Financial News] Going forward, people who obtain an international driving permit will be able to receive text messages with information on documents needed to drive abroad and country-specific precautions. The measure is intended to reduce the inconvenience of having to search the websites of multiple agencies separately.
The National Police Agency said on the 12th that it will launch a text-message alert service providing information on driving abroad for international driving permit holders starting on the 16th, in partnership with the Overseas Koreans Agency and the Korea Road Traffic Authority.
Until now, drivers who obtained an international driving permit had to check the Korea Road Traffic Authority website to see which countries accepted the permit, and separately look up local driving regulations and precautions on the relevant country's diplomatic mission website or through local agencies.
The new service will make this information easier to find by sending text messages with URLs linking to relevant websites when an international driving permit is issued.
Recipients who tap the link in the alert message can check which countries accept international driving permits on the Korea Road Traffic Authority website. They can then select the country they plan to visit to connect to the relevant diplomatic mission's website and review local driving precautions.
The information provided will include countries where international driving permits can be used and related precautions, documents that must be carried when driving in each country, and other reference information on driving abroad.
When driving abroad, people generally need an international driving permit, a passport and a Korean driver's license. However, additional documents that must be carried and precautions may vary by country, so travelers should check before departure.
The police expect the service to reduce the hassle of finding information on driving abroad and help prevent adverse consequences that could result from failing to prepare the required documents.
Kim Jong-chul, acting chief of the National Police Agency, said, "This service will be a good example of a 'public safety service tailored to the public,' going beyond the issuance of international driving permits to proactively provide country-specific guidance on driving abroad." He added, "We will continue to develop and improve licensing administration services that meet the public's needs."

[email protected] Kim Ye-ji Reporter