Legislative Yuan Increases Traffic Penalties to Enhance Road Safety

The Legislative Yuan in Taiwan has approved significant amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, aimed at enhancing road safety. The amendments, which passed unanimously on October 24, 2023, will increase fines for specific traffic violations, reflecting the government’s commitment to reducing accidents and improving public safety.

One of the key changes includes raising the fine for using mobile devices while riding a motorcycle from NT$1,000 to NT$1,200, while the penalty for using such devices in a car will rise to NT$3,000. Additionally, the fine for holding, smoking, or lighting a cigarette while operating either a motorcycle or vehicle will increase from NT$600 to NT$1,200. These adjustments are part of a broader strategy to address the growing number of traffic incidents, particularly around vulnerable areas such as schools and hospitals, where children and the elderly are at heightened risk.

The amendments also stipulate that drivers who fail to reduce their speed in designated school or hospital zones, resulting in injury or fatalities, will face penalties increased by up to 50%. This measure underscores the importance of safety in areas frequented by vulnerable populations.

Changes have also been made regarding alcohol and drug testing procedures. The amendments revise the police reporting deadline to start from the date when test results are received, rather than the date of the infraction. This alteration aims to close administrative loopholes that have previously delayed actions against offenders, as the time taken for urine test results can exceed the statutory two-month reporting deadline.

In cases of accidents involving unclear liability sent for external appraisal, the statutory period for police action will begin from the completion of the appraisal. If police conduct their own analysis, they are required to issue citations within three months.

Railway Act Amendments Strengthen Safety Protections

In conjunction with the traffic law changes, the Legislative Yuan also passed amendments to the Railway Act. These amendments introduce criminal penalties for obstructing railway personnel through violence, coercion, or threats. Offenders may face up to three years in prison and fines of up to NT$300,000. If such obstruction leads to death, the penalties could escalate to life imprisonment or more than seven years in prison.

The increased penalties are modeled after provisions addressing violence in medical facilities, aiming to bolster safety for railway workers. The law now enables railway operators to deny service if there is a risk of violence against their personnel, reflecting a proactive approach to ensuring safety during operations.

Since the corporatization of the Taiwan Railways Administration on January 1, 2023, direct provisions against violence have become critical. Previously, such cases could be prosecuted under the Criminal Code, but the shift in policy necessitated new regulations. This year alone, there have been 14 reported cases of violence against railway workers.

Additionally, the amendments impose hefty fines on individuals who resell train tickets at inflated prices, with penalties ranging from 10 to 50 times the ticket fare, depending on the number of tickets involved. Railway operators, both private and state-owned, can also face fines between NT$30,000 and NT$300,000 for failing to implement necessary safety measures or inadequately training their staff.

The Legislative Yuan’s recent actions reflect a comprehensive effort to enhance public safety on both the roads and railways, addressing rising concerns over traffic violations and the protection of essential service personnel.