Iksan City Implements Public Vehicle Restrictions: How Will the 5-Day Rule Impact Your Daily Commute?

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To address rising fuel and energy costs linked to instability in the Middle East, Iksan City in North Jeolla Province began enforcing a mandatory five-day vehicle rotation for public institutions and implementing electricity-saving measures on March 25.

Under national guidance, the five-day rotation for public passenger cars took effect that day. The policy restricts driving one weekday based on the last digit of a vehicle’s license plate.

The measure covers central government agencies and public institutions under local governments. Officials said enforcement will be tightened beyond prior recommendations through inspections and formal notices. Exemptions include vehicles for people with disabilities, nationally recognized veterans and honorees, pregnant women, vehicles carrying preschool children, and eco-friendly vehicles (electric and hydrogen).

The city will also pursue energy reductions inside municipal buildings by turning off unnecessary corridor lighting, maintaining moderate heating and cooling settings, and powering down office equipment during lunch and after work.

City officials noted that the main city hall already operates a stricter odd–even (two-day) driving restriction for staff vehicles, implemented after the new government building opened and in consideration of parking conditions.

With a newly formed Emergency Economic Response Task Force, the city aims to encourage the private sector to follow the public sector’s lead on energy conservation. Private participation is voluntary for now, but authorities said it would become mandatory if the crude oil supply crisis escalates to the alert level.

\”External economic conditions are difficult, but we will begin with public institutions to conserve energy and protect residents’ livelihoods,\” Mayor Jeong Heon-yul said, urging citizens to join in by adopting small daily energy-saving practices.