Man pays NT$188,400 fine after life insurance policy seized

A 56-year-old man in Taiwan, identified only as Hsu, has paid a substantial fine of NT$188,400 after authorities seized his life insurance policy. Hsu had accumulated the debt through multiple offenses between 2019 and 2020, including driving without a license while his license was suspended, failing to adhere to lane regulations on highways, and refusing a breathalyzer test while intoxicated.

The Chiayi Branch of the Executive Agency of the Ministry of Justice initiated enforcement actions after Hsu failed to pay the fines. Investigators identified a life insurance policy under his name and issued an order to seize it. This action prompted Hsu to immediately settle the entire outstanding amount.

Authorities stated that they are taking a firm stance against individuals who chronically evade traffic fines. Hsu's case was transferred for enforcement in 2020, and initial efforts only recovered a small amount of bank deposits. Hsu claimed to have no stable job and was awaiting imprisonment for a criminal case, requesting to arrange installment payments after his release. The agency agreed to let him arrange payments after his release in July 2023, but he failed to comply.

Faced with the risk of his insurance policy being canceled, Hsu promptly paid the remaining balance. The Chiayi Branch urged the public to obey traffic laws and warned that they would use all available enforcement measures to pursue those who intentionally evade fines. They also noted that for individuals facing financial difficulties, installment plans can be arranged with the consent of the referring agency, provided the terms are strictly adhered to.