The regulatory reform that hinders mobility innovations such as autonomous driving, robots and drones, and demand-responsive services (DRT) is beginning in earnest.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 19th that the 'Act on Support for Mobility Innovation and Activation' (hereinafter referred to as the 'Mobility Innovation Act') will be implemented to support private sector innovation and significantly improve the convenience of transportation for the public.

The Mobility Innovation Act is a law that primarily aims to support private innovation, including regulatory sandboxes, and establish a public support system, including the designation and operation of support centers for such initiatives. It holds significant significance as the legal and institutional foundation that will usher in the full-fledged opening of the mobility era (a national task).

In particular, the introduction of the 'Mobility Regulatory Sandbox', which supports private sector innovation technologies and creative ideas through the enforcement of the law, is expected to accelerate innovation.

Examples of regulatory sandboxes include autonomous shuttles and taxis, robot and drone delivery, and demand-responsive services (DRT).

The regulatory sandbox is a system that exempts or postpones regulations for innovative mobility businesses that have been unable to launch due to existing regulations or institutional gaps. The mobility regulatory sandbox will support verification for up to four years (2+2 years) and will also provide support for business expenses and insurance premiums. Based on the results of the demonstration, regulations will also be revised, and it is expected that this will serve as a key system leading regulatory innovation in the mobility sector.

Applications for the Mobility Regulatory Sandbox will be accepted starting October 19th through the websites of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (www.molit.go.kr) and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (www.kotsa.or.kr). Regional briefing sessions will also be held to introduce the project and provide guidance on how to apply.

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong said, “As the competent ministry for mobility, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will directly operate the regulatory sandbox to further accelerate the pace of innovation in the private sector,” and added, “We will provide full support so that the mobility regulatory sandbox can become a representative platform where companies can fully demonstrate their innovative capabilities.”