TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) on Tuesday said it is being considered that the age threshold for elderly drivers to renew their license could be lowered from 75 to 70.
The announcement came one day after a 78-year-old man surnamed Yu (余) drove his car into a group of pedestrians in New Taipei's Sanxia District, killing three and injuring 13. Chen outlined three major reforms to driver’s license regulations for senior motorists, per RTI.
Besides lowering the renewal age, the reforms include stricter cognitive and physical assessments and mandatory on-road safety training for drivers with a history of traffic accidents. The new rules are expected to take effect next year.
Currently, drivers aged 75 and above must renew their licenses every three years and pass a physical and cognitive function test. Since July 2017, the Directorate General of Highways has issued over 860,000 renewal notices, with a 93.5% completion rate.
Chen said that about 1.82 million licensed drivers are now over 70, a number projected to reach 2.72 million within a decade, per CNA. He said Taiwan is on track to become a super-aged society, while Japan reached this stage 10 to 15 years earlier.
Chen said Japan’s experience with elderly driver license renewal is worth learning from. Since Japan has set the license renewal age at 70, Taiwan plans to adopt this approach.
Currently, drivers aged 65 and over are subject to monitoring if they accumulate three demerit points. Chen said the new plan will expand monitoring to include those frequently involved in violations or who are listed as the primary party in accidents.
To support the mobility needs of seniors, Chen said the government will offer subsidies for purchasing TPASS monthly transportation passes to encourage older drivers to surrender their licenses voluntarily. Recognizing that public transit in central and southern Taiwan is less accessible, the ministry is also considering offering non-metered “public taxis” to increase convenience and incentivize seniors to stop driving.
He said detailed planning will be completed within three months. Additional reforms, such as tougher licensing exams, will be announced separately.
Chen expressed sorrow over the tragedy and acknowledged the public’s concern over the safety of elderly drivers. However, he emphasized that the age group most frequently involved in accidents is 18 to 24, not older motorists.
