October 30, 2025 – Taipei, Taiwan
The Legislative Yuan has approved amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, significantly increasing fines for unlicensed vehicle operation and tightening rules on non-standard exhaust systems to combat the rising problem of noise pollution and unsafe driving.
Under the new regulations, unlicensed motorcycle riders will now face fines ranging from NT$18,000 to NT$36,000 (US$588–1,176), while unlicensed car drivers will be penalized NT$36,000 to NT$60,000 (US$1,176–1,960). In both cases, authorities will have the power to impound vehicles immediately at the scene.
The amendments also target the growing number of vehicle noise complaints, which surged from 17,400 in 2021 to over 30,000 in 2023. To address this, the government has doubled fines for cars using unregistered or modified exhaust systems—from NT$1,800 to NT$3,600. Offending vehicles must undergo inspection within 15 days; failure to comply will lead to license plate suspension, and if unresolved after two months, the plates will be revoked.
According to data from the National Police Agency (NPA), unlicensed driving remains a major road safety concern. In 2023, there were 54,492 cases of unlicensed driving, causing 763 deaths and 78,885 injuries—figures that surpass the 253 deaths linked to drunk driving in the same year.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) reported that out of 300,000 to 400,000 road accidents occurring annually in Taiwan, around 50,000 involve unlicensed drivers. These incidents result in roughly 600 fatalities and over 60,000 injuries each year, which is six times higher than those caused by alcohol-related crashes.
The new penalties are part of the government’s broader effort to enhance road safety and environmental protection, aiming to deter reckless driving and reduce the nation’s increasing noise pollution complaints.