TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Police in Taichung are cracking down on loud vehicles by increasing inspections and issuing fines for illegally modified cars and motorbikes.

Since January, the Taichung Traffic Police Corps has issued over 250 fines to noisy vehicle owners and filed 32,000 reports of suspected illegal modifications, per UDN.

Police have been working with other agencies to reduce noise pollution and curb the trend of modifying vehicles to produce excessive noise. Officers are being assisted by the Environmental Protection Bureau, which helps track down offenders based on public reports and field observations.

The Traffic Police Corps said that intentionally revving engines or installing loud exhaust systems is not only a public nuisance but also a safety risk that may endanger other drivers.

As of April 30, authorities had carried out 44 mass inspections across Taichung. Of 303 vehicles inspected for illegal exhaust or engine modifications, 86 were issued on-the-spot fines.

Drivers whose vehicles disturb the public or violate noise regulations can be fined between NT$1,800 (US$60) and NT$3,600 (US$117) under the Noise Control Act. Additionally, drivers whose exhaust pipes fail to meet government specifications face a fine of NT$900 (US$30).

According to UDN, Taichung police and the Environmental Protection Bureau have collected over NT$300,000 (US$9,750) in fines over the first four months of 2025.

The police said they will continue increasing the frequency of inspections and using new technology to ensure safer roads and quieter neighborhoods.