Unlicensed Driving and Other Violations Lead to Over 60 Fines, Refusal of Breathalyzer Test; Man Owes Over 500,000 NT Dollars, Seeks Installment Plan

A 30-year-old man in Taiwan, identified only as Mr. Chen, faces a significant financial burden after accumulating over 500,000 New Taiwan dollars (approximately $15,500 USD) in unpaid traffic fines. His violations span a decade, including 37 instances of driving without a license, numerous other traffic offenses, and one refusal of a breathalyzer test.

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I hope to be able to arrange installments, with longer terms.

Chen appeared before the New Taipei Branch of the Administrative Enforcement Agency, expressing deep regret for his past actions. He explained that his frequent unlicensed driving stemmed from work necessities, as he used a motorcycle registered under his aunt's name for commuting. His other violations, including running red lights and failing to yield, were attributed to youthful indiscretion.

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I regret it deeply and dare not make the same mistake again.

The refusal to take a breathalyzer test occurred after a gathering with friends when he was 18. He admitted to being nervous when stopped by police and chose not to comply. Due to meager earnings in previous years, he was unable to pay the accumulating fines, leading to the transfer of his cases to the enforcement agency since 2018.

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Because of the need for work, my family bought a motorcycle registered under my aunt's name for me to commute.

Now employed and earning a more stable income, Chen hopes to obtain a driver's license to facilitate his new job, which requires him to deliver documents. He has requested a long-term installment plan to manage his debt and turn his life around. The New Taipei Branch, recognizing his genuine remorse and considering his financial situation and work needs, is assisting him with a payment plan and guiding him toward obtaining a license.

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At that time, because I was nervous, I chose to refuse the test.