Harsher drug-driving penalties could take effect by end of 2026: minister

Taipei, June 2 (CNA) Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) said on Tuesday that tougher penalties proposed by his ministry for drug-impaired driving could take effect as soon as the end of 2026.

The proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act would increase the current penalty of a one- to two-year driver's license suspension for drug-impaired driving to license revocation, along with a three-year ban on reapplying for a license.

Under the proposal, individuals who use Category 1 or Category 2 narcotics would have their driver's licenses revoked even if they are not caught driving or do not own a vehicle, to prevent them from driving.

Users of Category 3 or Category 4 narcotics would face license suspension.

• Transport ministry mulls tougher penalties for drug-impaired driving

Fines for first-time offenders would increase from NT$30,000 (US$954) to NT$120,000 for motorists, and from NT$15,000 to NT$90,000 for motorcyclists.

Repeat offenses within a 10-year period would face progressively higher administrative fines, with no upper limit on the increases, Chen said.

A penalty will also be introduced for passengers aged 18 or older who knowingly ride with drivers under the influence of narcotics. Violators could face fines of up to NT$15,000.

Speaking to reporters, Chen said the ministry plans to submit the proposed amendments to the Cabinet by the end of June, after which they will be reviewed and forwarded to the Legislature for consideration.

Chen added that he believes lawmakers are also concerned about the issue of drug-impaired driving.