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Drunk driving incidents and regulatory changes in Taiwan

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2026-10-27 13:58 UTC → 2026-10-28 04:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Drunk driving incidents and regulatory changes in ~~Kaohsiung~~ Taiwan

Two separate incidents of driving under the influence and unlicensed operation were reported in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, during October 2026. In the first incident on October 2, a 23-year-old man surnamed Li was apprehended following a two-kilometer police pursuit. Officers discovered him asleep at the wheel of an idling sedan. Investigations confirmed he was driving without a valid license and was over the legal alcohol limit. He faces charges of public danger and multiple traffic violations. In a later incident, a 42-year-old man was intercepted by police for driving erratically at high speeds. Although the driver claimed he was speeding to avoid an ambulance, officers noted the emergency vehicle had not activated its siren. The man admitted to drinking and failed a breathalyzer test. It was also revealed that his driver’s license had been revoked, a status he attributed to failing “trap questions” on a written exam. He faces charges of public danger and various traffic offenses. Following a rise in drug-driving incidents involving micro-electric two-wheeled vehicles—which increased from 71 to 580 cases between January and September 2026—Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan Transportation Committee is reviewing amendments to increase penalties. The proposed changes aim to align micro-electric vehicle regulations with those for cars and motorcycles, including vehicle seizure and license confiscation for those refusing testing. Additionally, the Ministry of Transportation plans to shorten the public notice period for uncollected impounded vehicles from three months to one month.

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