Cabinet seeks tougher DUI penalties amid 'zombie vape' concerns

Taipei, June 11 (CNA) The Cabinet on Thursday proposed legal revisions aimed at increasing penalties for people who drive under the influence of illegal drugs, following recent traffic accidents linked to so-called "zombie vapes," illicit electronic cigarettes containing the Category 2 narcotic etomidate.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) approved the proposals during a Cabinet meeting Thursday, according to the Executive Yuan, noting that they were proposed in the wake of a recent spate of related traffic accidents.

The proposed revisions to the Criminal Code seek to increase the maximum prison term for people convicted of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of illegal drugs from three years to five years.

The proposals would also raise the maximum potential fine from NT$300,000 (US$9,474.60) to NT$500,000.

Drivers under the influence of illegal drugs who cause serious injury would face prison terms of three to 10 years, up from the current one to seven years, as well as potential fines of up to NT$2 million, compared with the current maximum of NT$1 million.

Under the proposals, drivers under the influence of illegal drugs who cause a fatal accident would face prison terms of five to 12 years and potential fines of up to NT$3 million, compared with the current penalties of three to 10 years in prison and potential fines of up to NT$2 million.

The revisions would also impose harsher penalties on repeat offenders. Those convicted of driving under the influence of illegal drugs for a second time within 10 years would face prison terms of five to 12 years and potential fines of up to NT$3 million if they cause serious injury, compared with the current penalties of three to 10 years in prison and potential fines of up to NT$2 million.

Repeat offenders who cause a fatality would face prison terms ranging from seven years to life imprisonment and potential fines of up to NT$4 million, compared with the current penalties of five years to life imprisonment and potential fines of up to NT$3 million.

Another set of revisions unveiled Thursday concerns the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces, which largely mirrors the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code.

The main difference is that the potential fines would be NT$200,000 higher across all scenarios except those involving drug-impaired driving that does not result in injury or death, in which case the potential fine would be raised by an additional NT$100,000.

The proposals also include a provision authorizing law enforcement authorities to confiscate vehicles used in such offenses.

If the vehicle does not belong to the offender, it could still be confiscated unless the owner had a "legitimate reason" for allowing the offender to use it.

The proposals must still be approved by the Legislative Yuan, which is currently controlled by opposition parties, before they can take effect.