Taiwan traffic safety: Highway rest area limits and DUI enforcement

Recent reports highlight ongoing challenges regarding traffic safety and regulatory enforcement in Taiwan. One issue concerns the four-hour parking limit at national highway service areas. Under current regulations, vehicles parked at service areas for more than four hours are subject to fines ranging from 600 to 1,200 TWD. While authorities state this rule is intended to maintain high turnover rates and ensure parking availability for other travelers, critics argue the rigid time limit does not account for individual fatigue levels, which may require longer rest periods for safety.

In a separate enforcement matter, the Shilin Branch of the Ministry of Justice Administrative Enforcement Agency reported on the consequences of driving under the influence. An individual was fined 180,000 TWD after refusing a breathalyzer test following a short trip. After failing to pay the fine, the case was transferred for enforcement, eventually leading the individual to seek an installment payment plan. Authorities emphasized that even very short distances pose significant risks when driving while intoxicated.