Taichung to Stop Painting Double Yellow Lines on Narrow Alleys After Public Outcry and Audit Findings

Taichung's transportation bureau is halting the practice of painting double yellow lines on narrow alleys after facing public backlash and an official audit recommendation for improvement. The bureau's decision comes after numerous complaints from residents who were ticketed for inadvertently crossing the lines in streets measuring less than 10 meters wide.

The audit office specifically pointed out that the markings did not align with actual traffic needs. An inspection at the intersection of Fude Street and Xinhe Street in the South District revealed that vehicles frequently crossed the double yellow lines when meeting oncoming traffic or avoiding parked cars, leading to disputes over ticketing and public dissatisfaction. The audit office recommended that the city prioritize improvements on high-risk and frequently complained-about road sections to reduce disputes and public anger.

Transportation Bureau Director Ye Zhaofu stated that the bureau has convened meetings and assigned tasks to address the issue. For roads in the original eight city districts, the transportation bureau will handle the adjustments, while the district offices will manage those in the former county areas. The bureau has decided that double yellow lines will no longer be painted on roads less than 10 meters wide. For existing markings, the principle is to prioritize adjustments in areas with existing complaints and a high likelihood of ticketing, with others to be handled sequentially. The double yellow lines at the Fude Street and Xinhe Street intersection were already removed on June 13.

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10-meter-wide alleys will no longer have double yellow lines painted.