October 20, 2025 – Pingtung County, Taiwan

Provincial Highway 24, a key road connecting Sandimen and Wutai Townships in Pingtung County, has long been known for its winding terrain and scenic views that attract tourists, especially during weekends and holidays. However, its popularity and challenging road conditions have also made it a hotspot for reckless driving and vehicle modification violations.

To enhance road safety, the Ligang Police Station has been conducting joint inspections with the Environmental Protection Bureau and the Sande Checkpoint Inspection Station since May. From January to October this year, authorities recorded 1,377 speeding cases and 650 instances of illegal vehicle modifications, issuing a total of 2,027 fines.

During a recent operation on October 18, police carried out another joint inspection with the Environmental Protection Agency at the Sande Checkpoint. The crackdown led to 16 violations, including two cases of unlicensed driving, three cases of vehicles exceeding permitted specifications, two illegal exhaust pipe modifications, and nine cases of improper rearview mirror alterations. One particularly noisy motorcycle was also ordered back for inspection.

Police reported that some motorcyclists have been disturbing tribal communities along the highway by installing modified exhaust systems and engaging in dangerous high-speed riding. Authorities have implemented both fixed-point and mobile enforcement measures to address these problems, especially on weekends and holidays when traffic volume increases.

Ligang Police Station Chief Ba Longxiang reminded the public that Provincial Highway 24 is the only access road to Wutai Township. Speed limit signs are installed along the route, and all drivers are urged to obey traffic rules to prevent accidents. He emphasized that illegal vehicle modifications not only violate regulations but also endanger road users by altering a vehicle’s structure and performance.

Under Article 18 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, violators face fines of at least NT$2,400, mandatory inspections, and possible license suspension. Drivers who commit two or more violations within a year may have their licenses suspended for three months, while repeat offenders within three years risk permanent revocation.

On the same day, two motorcycles were intercepted after attempting to pass through the checkpoint without the required mountain entry permit. Upon inspection, one of the motorcycles was found with an undeclared exhaust pipe and non-compliant rearview mirrors. The riders were cited under Article 16 of the Road Traffic Management Penalty Regulations.

Authorities also reminded the public that, under the Operational Regulations for Entry and Exit of Mountainous Control Areas, individuals entering controlled mountain zones such as Sandimen and Wutai must apply for a permit. Failure to do so, or refusal to comply with police warnings, may result in fines of up to NT$6,000 under Article 71 of the Social Order Maintenance Act.

Pingtung Branch Director Qiu Yiqiao stated that the police will continue to strengthen patrols and conduct law enforcement operations without holidays. The focus will remain on cracking down on modified noisy vehicles, dangerous driving, and other violations to ensure road safety for residents and visitors traveling along Provincial Highway 24.