Taiwan to extend traffic safety lectures for repeat offenders, add courses for underage unlicensed drivers

Taiwan's Directorate General of Highways is set to implement new measures by the end of September aimed at curbing repeat traffic violations. The plan includes extending the duration of traffic safety lectures for individuals caught driving under the influence multiple times and introducing a new mandatory course for underage drivers caught operating vehicles without a license.

These initiatives are designed to enhance drivers' understanding of road safety and correct problematic behaviors. Previously, repeat offenders were required to attend lectures of varying lengths, but the new policy will increase these hours. Specifically, the lecture time for repeat offenders will be extended from 4 to 6 hours, while the drunk driving repeat offender course will be lengthened from 12 to 15 hours. A new 6-hour course will be established for underage unlicensed drivers who re-offend.

Officials explained that the need for extended lectures arises when individuals who have already attended safety courses continue to violate traffic laws, indicating a persistent deficiency in their road safety awareness. By extending the learning period, authorities hope to more effectively address these issues and lower recidivism rates.

Statistics show a downward trend in unlicensed driving among minors in recent years, but the numbers for repeat offenders in general traffic safety lectures and drunk driving cases remain significant. Last year, over 22,000 individuals were notified to attend repeat offender lectures, and nearly 2,000 for repeat drunk driving offenses. The new measures will apply to an estimated 28,620 individuals annually.

In addition to these changes, the Directorate General of Highways is also planning to introduce road driving training for motorcycle riders by the end of September. Details regarding whether this training will be mandatory or subsidized are still under consideration and will be announced later.