TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) on Thursday (Jan. 28) passed a proposal to increase penalties for drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at intersections.

In an effort to improve road safety, the MOTC has made amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act and raised the maximum fine for violating pedestrian safety from NT$3,600 (US$129) to NT$6,000. Areas covered by the rule have been expanded to all intersections used by pedestrians instead of just designated pedestrian crosswalks.

Meanwhile, drivers responsible for injury or death at intersections are subject to a maximum fine of NT$36,000, in addition to a possible jail term. Violators will also receive two traffic violation points every time they compromise pedestrian safety, and those charged with six or more points within a six-month period will have their driver's licenses suspended for a month.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Transportation Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) cautioned Taiwanese drivers to respect pedestrian rights and said there is still room for improvement in local traffic laws. He added the proposal will be sent to the Cabinet and lawmakers after a 60-day period of discussion.