Taipei — A Keelung man identified as Yang has been fined NT$30,000 for using an e-cigarette on a domestic flight from Taipei Songshan Airport to Kinmen earlier this year. The Keelung District Court ruled that his actions violated aviation safety regulations, handing down a 30-day sentence commutable to the fine.
Incident on Board
The case dates back to May 28, when Yang boarded a Kinmen-bound aircraft at Songshan Airport. After the cabin doors were closed, he began smoking an e-cigarette in his seat. Flight attendants immediately stopped him, alerted the crew, and upon arrival at Kinmen Shangyi Airport, reported the matter to police. Yang was later transferred to prosecutors for investigation.
Court Ruling
The court noted that cabin announcements had clearly prohibited the use of devices that could interfere with flight operations or communications. Despite this, Yang chose to use an e-cigarette, disregarding both aviation rules and the comfort and safety of fellow passengers.
In delivering the verdict, the judge considered Yang’s admission of guilt, his immediate compliance when told to stop, and his family’s financial situation. The court concluded that while his actions posed a risk, the overall circumstances were not severe. Yang was therefore fined NT$30,000, with the option of serving 30 days of hard labor if unpaid. The decision remains open to appeal.
Aviation Safety Rules
According to the Civil Aeronautics Administration’s 2015 regulations on devices that may interfere with flight or communications, the use of electronic products with transmitting or receiving functions is prohibited during flights unless authorized by the pilot.
In addition, the use of other electronic devices — even those without transmission capabilities — is restricted during takeoff, landing, and on domestic routes, unless specifically permitted. Medical equipment such as pacemakers and hearing aids are exempt.
The rules explicitly ban e-cigarettes throughout the duration of all flights, citing passenger comfort, safety concerns, and the need to avoid confusion during emergency evacuations.