Possession of E-cigarettes to be Fined NT$100,000, Refusing Drug Test NT$270,000; Executive Yuan to Propose Law Revisions in June

Taiwan's Executive Yuan has passed a comprehensive plan to combat drug use and driving under the influence, introducing a series of stricter penalties and measures. Premier Cho Jung-tai has directed a strong crackdown on drug-related offenses, particularly focusing on drug-driving, outlining 14 specific actions across three key areas.

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The penalties for drug-driving will be increased, and licenses will be revoked. For drug-driving causing death, the license will be permanently revoked.

Key changes include significantly increased penalties for drug-driving, with potential life-long license revocation for those causing death while under the influence. The manufacturing or transportation of etonitazene, known as 'zombie drug' cartridges, could face the death penalty. For drug-driving offenses, fines will be substantially raised, with repeat offenders facing escalating penalties and no upper limit. Refusing a drug test for the first time will result in a fine of NT$270,000 (approximately $8,300 USD).

Recognizing the ease of access to e-cigarettes as a contributing factor to drug use, the Ministry of Health and Welfare will amend the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. Possession of e-cigarette products and their components will become punishable by fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$100,000 (approximately $920 to $3,070 USD), in addition to confiscation.

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Considering that the current 'Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act' already has penalty provisions for the act of using e-cigarettes, but there is no clear management mechanism for possession, we have included 'possession of quasi-tobacco products and their component parts' as a key point for amendment.

These legislative revisions, including amendments to the Criminal Code, the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, and the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, are slated for submission to the Legislative Yuan in June. The government aims to strengthen deterrence and public safety through these enhanced legal frameworks.

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The adjustment of increased criminal responsibility must consider balance, proportionality, and various opinions, but overall, the criminal responsibility for drug driving will be adjusted in the direction of increase.