Incheon City to Provide Up to 200,000 Won for Elderly Drivers Who Return Their Licenses... "Strengthening Support for Actual Drivers"

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) is significantly enhancing the benefits of the 'Voluntary License Return System' to reduce the traffic accident rate among elderly drivers and create a safer walking environment.

On the 2nd, Incheon City announced that starting in 2026, the incentive for elderly drivers who voluntarily return their licenses will be expanded from the current 100,000 Won to a maximum of 200,000 Won. This measure aims to encourage elderly individuals who are actually driving to return their licenses, thereby achieving a practical accident prevention effect.

Following the amendment of related ordinances last year, which lowered the return age from 70 to 65, the city will also provide an additional 100,000 Won starting this year if 'actual driving status' is confirmed. As a result, elderly individuals who have been driving and return their licenses will be able to receive a total of 200,000 Won in incentives.

Eligible applicants are those aged 65 and older who hold a driver's license and reside in Incheon. They can apply by visiting their local administrative welfare center with a valid driver's license, and the application will be processed immediately. However, to receive the additional 100,000 Won incentive, they must also submit documents that can prove their actual driving status, such as a vehicle registration certificate or car insurance policy in their name.

The incentive will be provided in the form of the Incheon local love gift certificate, 'Incheon e-um Card'. Notably, the Incheon e-um Card is equipped with a transportation card function that allows payment for subway and bus fares nationwide, which is expected to provide practical convenience for the elderly who need to use public transportation after returning their licenses.

The reason Incheon City is strengthening these support measures is to proactively prevent the surge in traffic accidents involving elderly drivers as society ages. Lee Jae-cheol, the head of the city's transportation department, stated, "I hope this expansion of the system will serve as a safety device to protect the lives of both elderly drivers and citizens," and added, "We will continue to discover and implement traffic safety policies that are highly felt by the public."

Detailed application methods and document guidance can be obtained through the transportation-related department of the local district office where the applicant resides.