TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Starting March 1, individuals required to attend traffic safety classes due to breaking traffic rules in Taiwan will be charged NT$200 (US$6) per hour, the Highway Bureau said Thursday.
Previously offered free of charge, the new fee is based on the user-pays principle and will cover costs such as venue rental, instructor fees, and administrative expenses like printing and mailing notifications. The fee will apply uniformly across motor vehicle offices and 46 authorized training providers, per CNA.
The Highway Bureau reminds the public that failing to attend mandatory training without a valid reason will result in a fine of NT$1,800. Drivers who still fail to attend after a second notice and delay beyond six months will have their licenses suspended.
Under Article 63 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, drivers who accumulate six or more demerit points within one year may voluntarily attend a three-hour traffic safety training course at their own expense. Each completed course results in a deduction of two demerit points.
Recent amendments to the act allow drivers to take the course twice per year, up from the previous limit of once.
Drivers who accumulate six or more demerit points within a year or commit serious offenses such as drunk driving, speeding, or forcibly crossing railroad crossings are required to attend the training. Sessions are available at motor vehicle offices or through the Highway Bureau's website, which provides a searchable database of locations and class schedules from authorized providers.
