Increase in Fines for Road Violations Involving Pedestrians: MOTC Proposal
Street-Smart Shakedown: Taiwan Plans Heavier Fines for Pedestrian Violators
In a move to prioritize pedestrian safety, Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) is planning to crank up the heat on reckless drivers. The proposed amendments aim to escalate penalties for traffic violations causing injuries to pedestrians, potentially taking effect as soon as the end of next month.
Currently, drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians and result in minor injuries face a maximum fine of NT$7,200. However, under the proposed changes, this fine is set to skyrocket to a maximum of NT$30,000. For causing serious injuries or even death, the fine is proposed to notch up to NT$36,000.
Though the details are still hazy, some reports suggest that the fine for minor injuries could potentially jump to a whopping NT$30,000, while for serious injuries or deaths, a uniform NT$36,000 fine is on the table[2][3]. It's worth noting that the specific levies might vary based on a court's ruling.
[Photo: Tu Chien-jung, Taipei Times]
The amendments stem from the earlier update to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act in June 2023, which imposed harsher penalties on those who fail to give way to pedestrians. Since then, the number of traffic-related pedestrian incidents has decreased, with a total of 17,162 injuries or fatalities last year, 498 fewer than the previous year[4]. Unfortunately, 83 lives lost were a direct result of drivers' failure to yield right-of-way[4].
The government is working on improving pedestrian safety at a more holistic level. Plans are in the works to increase the distance between vehicle stop lines and crosswalks from the current one-to-two meters to a more substantial two-to-three meters[2].
Article 44 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act already outlines penalties for drivers failing to yield to pedestrians, with fines ranging from NT$7,200 to NT$36,000, depending on the severity of the outcome[4]. If an incident results in injury, the driver's license is suspended for a year, and if it results in death, the license is revoked.
The proposed amendments further adjust the penalty tiers based on four timing categories. Fines for minor injuries under the proposed amendment would start at NT$18,000 for those who pay the ticket or appear in court promptly. Subsequent categories would slowly bump up the fines to NT$20,000, NT$24,000, and NT$30,000 for tardy offenders[4].
For serious injuries, the current fines might be increased to a uniform NT$36,000, regardless of the timing of payment[2][3]. In cases resulting in death, the fine would remain unchanged at NT$36,000, the legal maximum[4].
Sources:- [1] Ministry of Transportation and Communication, Taiwan- [2] Taiwan News, 2023- [3] Taipei Times, 2023- [4] Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, Taiwan
- In response to the amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, the finance sector may see an increase in revenue due to the heavier fines for pedestrian violations announced by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in Taiwan.
- The proposed fines for pedestrian violations under the amended law will have significant implications for the transportation industry, as companies may need to implement safety programs to prevent violations and reduce costs associated with fines.
- The increase in fines for traffic violations causing pedestrian injuries or fatalities could impact the general-news and crime-and-justice industries, as more incidents may be reported and analyzed in the media.
- As the Taiwan News reported, the finance industry could potentially benefit from the implementation of the amendments, given the expected rise in traffic violations due to the increased fines, leading to extra revenue through payments.
- The pedestrian safety measures and heavier fines introduced by the Taiwan government represent a significant step in the industry, as it economically penalizes individuals who disregard traffic laws and potentially put other road users' lives at risk.
