TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Financial Supervisory Commission urged the public not to drive under the influence of alcohol as the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday began on Saturday.

Since March 1, 2014, a surcharge for drunk driving has been included in the mandatory automobile liability insurance system, the FSC said. If caught driving under the influence, the violation record will be registered under the vehicle owner's name.

A surcharge of NT$3,600 (US$110) will be added to the insurance premium for each offense. There is no limit to the number of violations or surcharge amount, the FSC stressed.

If the insured causes an accident while driving under the influence, the insurer may exercise subrogation rights to recover the payment made to the claimant. The FSC clarified that voluntary automobile insurance, including third-party liability and vehicle damage insurance, will not cover accidents caused by drunk driving.

During the 2022 Lunar New Year holiday, police agencies cracked down on 828 drunk driving cases, with 595 referred for legal action. Compared to 2021, serious drunk driving accidents decreased from 6 to 2, and minor accidents dropped from 129 to 78, reflecting a 60% and 40% reduction, respectively, according to the Ministry of the Interior.

Police traffic divisions will increase enforcement during the long holiday to curb drunk driving. They urged those who plan on drinking to use taxis, designated drivers, or other travel alternatives, according to LTN, Yahoo news, and the National Police Agency.