Taiwan Proposes Heavy Penalties for Drug Driving, Including Vehicle Confiscation

Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation is proposing stricter penalties for driving under the influence of drugs, aiming to enhance traffic safety. The planned revisions to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act include increased fines, license suspensions, and potentially the confiscation and destruction of vehicles involved.

Under the proposed changes, first-time offenders who refuse a breathalyzer test could face an administrative fine of NT$270,000 (approximately $8,300 USD). Repeat offenders will incur additional fines of NT$90,000 for each subsequent offense, with no upper limit. The ministry also plans to revoke driving licenses for drug offenders, replacing the current suspension period of one to two years with a three-year ban and a requirement to retake the test.

Furthermore, the government intends to confiscate vehicles used in drug-driving incidents, regardless of whether the driver owns the vehicle. These confiscated vehicles may be destroyed after assessment. The new regulations also extend to passengers, imposing penalties on those who knowingly ride with a drug-impaired driver.

In addition to administrative penalties, drug-driving offenses are also subject to criminal charges under Article 185-3 of the Criminal Code. The Ministry of Transportation emphasized that these measures require legislative approval. Separately, individuals confirmed to have used drugs may face pre-emptive license suspension or revocation, even if not driving at the time.

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This needs to be passed through legislation before it can be implemented. If the Legislative Yuan is willing to support and pass this amendment, the Ministry of Transportation will definitely implement it.