October 26, 2025 | Taoyuan City, Taiwan
The Taoyuan City Police Department has intensified its traffic enforcement campaign, targeting four major violations — illegal vehicle modifications, noisy exhaust systems, driving without a license, and dangerous driving — as part of its ongoing effort to ensure public safety and road discipline.
In coordination with the 10th Police Precinct, the Traffic Police Brigade has launched several key initiatives, including “Crackdown on Drunk Driving,” “Prevention of Dangerous Driving,” and “Quiet Taoyuan.” Since the beginning of 2025, these efforts have resulted in over 11,000 cases of dangerous driving being reported and 4,100 noisy vehicles being stopped and cited. Due to intensified late-night patrols and evidence collection, noise complaints have fallen by more than 30%, significantly improving the quality of life for residents.
Strict Enforcement of Road Traffic Laws
The ongoing crackdown is grounded in several provisions of Taiwan’s Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, including:
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Article 16: Illegal modification of exhaust pipes without prior registration
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Article 18: Unauthorized alteration of vehicle body components
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Article 21: Driving without a valid license
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Article 43: Dangerous and reckless driving behavior
These violations encompass a wide range of hazardous acts, such as severe speeding, swerving, reckless overtaking, sudden braking, muffler removal, excessive noise generation, and illegal street racing. Police conduct monthly enforcement drives, focusing on high-risk areas and hours, combining road inspections and video surveillance to collect evidence. Offenders face strict administrative penalties and, when warranted, criminal prosecution.
Impressive Results from Targeted Operations
The Traffic Police Brigade’s data underscores the campaign’s effectiveness:
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11,000+ cases of dangerous driving (including street racing and speeding over 40 km/h)
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1,060 cases of unregistered exhaust system modifications
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2,300 modified noisy vehicles referred to the Environmental Protection Bureau for review
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1,800 noise violations documented through joint police–environmental monitoring
Late-Night Patrols Significantly Reduce Noise Complaints
To address recurring late-night disturbances, police have reinforced surveillance and evidence collection between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. According to the Environmental Protection Bureau, this strategy has led to a 30% decline in noise complaints, marking a major step toward a quieter and safer Taoyuan.
Joint Action by Police and Prosecutors
The Taoyuan police have also coordinated with local prosecutors to pursue offenders under criminal law. In one high-profile incident on April 5, a man surnamed Lin organized a drag race on Nanqing Road in Luzhu District via LINE messaging. Participants drove against traffic, raced at high speeds, and created excessive noise. Lin was later indicted in August for violating Article 185 of the Criminal Code for endangering public safety — an offense punishable by up to life imprisonment if it results in death.
Other recent enforcement actions include:
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August 3: Police stopped a noisy vehicle on Fuguo Road; the driver was cited for operating without a license, illegal parking, and covering the license plate.
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September 28: A driver surnamed Liu was caught on Zhuangjing Road swerving, driving against traffic, and running a red light — fined more than NT$40,000 and charged with public endangerment.
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Mid-October: An unlicensed motorcyclist was apprehended racing at the Changchun intersection in Zhongli District and charged for dangerous driving.
“Rapid Strike” Response to Maintain Order
Captain Li Weizhen of the Jiaoda Police Department emphasized that the department continues to coordinate with district units to strengthen patrols in areas known for illegal vehicle gatherings and racing. The police also deploy a “traffic rapid strike” mechanism — including “pocket blockade” operations — to intercept offenders in real time, ensuring swift enforcement and maintaining smooth traffic flow.
Through persistent monitoring, joint enforcement, and community coordination, the Taoyuan City Police Department reaffirms its commitment to upholding road safety and preserving a peaceful environment for all residents.