Legislature passes amendments to raise fines for driving without a license

Taipei, Oct. 28 (CNA) Taiwan's Legislature on Tuesday passed amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act that raise the fines for driving a motor vehicle or riding a motorcycle without a valid license.

Under the amendments, unlicensed motorcyclists face fines ranging from NT$18,000 (US$587) to NT$36,000, while unlicensed car drivers face fines of NT$36,000 to NT$60,000. Police will also be required to impound the vehicle on the spot.

Prior to the law change, fines of between NT$6,000 and NT$24,000 were levied for the following infractions, including driving a car or motorcycle without a driver's license.

According to National Police Agency statistics, there were 45,456 cases of unlicensed driving in 2019, resulting in 658 deaths and 65,155 injuries. The number rose to 55,492 cases in 2023, with 763 deaths and 78,885 injuries, showing an upward trend that far exceeds the 253 fatalities caused by drunk driving.

As such, lawmakers across party lines agreed that increasing fines for unlicensed car and motorcycle driving is necessary to enhance deterrence.

Furthermore, in order to tackle modified vehicle noise, Tuesday's amendments also stipulates stricter penalties for using non-factory exhaust systems without proper registration.

Fines will double from NT$1,800 to NT$3,600, and owners must have their vehicles inspected within 15 days, with a fee charged for the inspection. Vehicles not inspected within 15 days will have their license plates suspended until they pass an inspection, and if the delay exceeds two months the plates can be canceled.