▲ This photo, taken March 25, 2026, shows a notice on the government-led five-day vehicle rotation system at a parking lot of the Seoul metropolitan government in the capital city. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) vehicle rotation-system

(LEAD) Gov't expands vehicle rotation system to 2-day scheme in public sector

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SEOUL, April 1 (Yonhap) -- The government said Wednesday it will expand a mandatory five-day vehicle rotation system to a two-day system in the public sector starting next week to curb energy demand amid supply strain caused by an escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The system will be enforced starting next Wednesday, while the five-day rotation system for the private sector will remain voluntary, according to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.

The latest measure is in line with the government's move to raise its resource security crisis warning by one notch to Level 3, the second-highest level, or "orange," in the country's four-tier system.

Under the expanded curb, vehicles are restricted from operating every other business day based on the last digit of their license plate numbers.

Vehicles with odd-numbered plates operate on odd-numbered dates, while those with even-numbered plates operate on even-numbered dates.

Electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, as well as vehicles carrying people with disabilities or pregnant women, will be exempt from the restrictions, the ministry said.

Vehicles used by employees who have difficulty commuting via public transportation and those deemed necessary for operation by the heads of public institutions will also be exempt.

The ministry said exempt vehicles are estimated to account for about 25 percent of the total.

Public parking lots operated by government agencies will implement a separate five-day rotation system.

The ministry added that making the system mandatory for the private sector will be considered cautiously, taking into account overall conditions, such as energy supply, public inconvenience and potential economic impact.

Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol earlier said the government could expand restrictions on passenger car use beyond public institutions if crude oil prices rise to around US$120 to $130 per barrel, up from the current $100 to $110 range.

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