In a landmark move to improve Taiwan’s increasingly hazardous traffic environment, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announced on Sunday that unlicensed driving will be treated on par with drunk driving under a new draft amendment currently being finalized.
Minister of Transportation Chen Shih-kai emphasized that the ministry has been preparing this legal change since last year but has accelerated efforts following a wave of tragic traffic incidents — most notably, deadly crashes involving elderly unlicensed drivers in Taipei and New Taipei in May 2025.
🚨 What’s Changing?
Currently, Taiwan’s Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act allows for fines of up to NT$24,000 (~US$800) for unlicensed driving. Repeat offenders within five years face a driving ban and the maximum fine. Additionally, unlicensed drivers responsible for major accidents are barred from obtaining a license for four years.
Under the proposed revision:
- Repeat offenders may be subject to unlimited fines.
- Vehicles used by unlicensed drivers will be impounded immediately on-site.
- Vehicle owners who allow unlicensed drivers to operate their vehicles will face strict legal penalties.
- The revised law is expected to be submitted to the Executive Yuan by end of June 2025 for approval.
🔍 Why Now? A Surge in Fatal Incidents
Public pressure on the MOTC has surged in recent weeks after two separate high-profile incidents involving elderly drivers:
- May 19, Sanxia District, New Taipei – A 78-year-old unlicensed man drove into a group of schoolchildren and their parents outside Bei Da Elementary School, killing 3 and injuring 12.
- May 23, Taipei – Another 78-year-old unlicensed driver struck a pedestrian on Chongqing South Road.
Both cases ignited public outrage and renewed calls for stricter laws, particularly involving elderly and unlicensed drivers.
📊 Elderly Drivers and Road Safety: Balancing Rights and Risk
While the government does not plan to ban elderly individuals from driving, Minister Chen made it clear that more robust safety mechanisms are needed to ensure they drive safely. Taiwan currently mandates that drivers aged 75 and above renew their licenses every 3 years, including cognitive and health checks. However, recent events suggest these assessments may not be sufficient.
Experts argue that Taiwan should follow models from countries like Japan or Sweden, where driving tests become progressively more demanding with age, or where certain medications, reaction time, and decision-making abilities are carefully screened.
💡 Commentary: A Cultural Shift in Road Accountability?
This policy revision also reflects a broader cultural shift in Taiwan toward greater road accountability and shared responsibility.
- Allowing someone to drive your vehicle without a valid license could soon carry consequences similar to supplying alcohol to an underage person.
- The inclusion of vehicle owners in the penalty framework is aimed at curbing passive negligence among family members or employers who knowingly enable unlicensed driving.
This push also suggests the MOTC is moving away from reactive governance toward preventative policy-making.
🌐 International Comparisons
- South Korea has increased jail time for unlicensed driving offenses since 2021.
- Singapore has an “immediate revocation” policy for unlicensed or repeat traffic offenders.
- Australia imposes up to 2 years of jail time for unlicensed driving, and vehicles can be seized permanently.
Taiwan’s updated laws could help align its traffic safety regime with international standards, especially as it pushes for more foreign investment and tourism.
📅 What’s Next?
The draft amendment will be submitted to the Executive Yuan by June 2025. If approved, Taiwan’s police forces and road safety departments will undergo retraining on the updated enforcement policies, and public awareness campaigns will likely follow.
MOTC’s action may also prompt parallel legislation involving:
- Enhanced testing standards for drivers over 70.
- More advanced vision, reaction time, and cognitive assessments.
- Possible mandatory in-car monitoring technologies.
📌 FAQs
What is the current punishment for unlicensed driving in Taiwan?
Up to NT$24,000 in fines and license suspension for repeat offenders. Serious injury/death results in a 4-year license ban.
How will the law change?
Repeat offenders will face unlimited fines, vehicle impoundment, and stricter penalties for vehicle owners who allow unlicensed driving.
Will elderly drivers be banned?
No, but their ability to drive will be more thoroughly assessed, with stronger safety checks and possible reforms to current license renewal systems.
Why is unlicensed driving being compared to drunk driving?
Both involve reckless disregard for safety and significantly increase the risk of fatal accidents.
When will the new law take effect?
The draft is expected by the end of June 2025, with enforcement beginning after approval from the Executive Yuan and legislative processing.
