TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Starting in July, vehicles entering a section of Taipei without the required emissions label will face fines ranging from NT$500 to NT$5,000 (US$17–170), the city’s Department of Environmental Protection warned on Monday.
The area was designated as the city’s third “Air Quality Control Zone” in late 2023 to protect public respiratory health, per UDN. Authorities urged vehicle owners to complete inspections and obtain the appropriate label as soon as possible to avoid penalties.
The department said that since 2021, it has established the first and second phases of “Air Quality Maintenance Zones” in areas with heavy diesel vehicle traffic, such as transportation hubs, the National Palace Museum, Yangmingshan Park, and Taipei Songshan Airport. Over 99% of diesel vehicles in these zones have obtained top-tier emissions labels, and over 99% of scooters have passed emissions testing—resulting in a 21% decrease in PM2.5 concentrations.
In December 2023, the city expanded controls to the Xinsheng South Road–Songjiang Road corridor, which includes schools, hospitals, bus lanes, and bike paths. The goal is to protect the respiratory health of students, commuters, and cyclists.
The department said signs and warnings have been posted around the new zone since last year. In addition to posters and information at key locations, reminders have been sent through bills and notices.
The first half of this year served as a grace period. During this phase, warning letters were mailed to owners of non-compliant vehicles urging them to take corrective action before the new rules take effect.
The department reminded drivers that diesel buses, trucks, and cranes over three years old must obtain the self-management emissions label for diesel vehicles or construction equipment. Gas-powered scooters over five years old must undergo annual emissions testing.
Diesel vehicles can be tested and certified at emissions testing stations across Taiwan. Scooters can be tested at approved inspection centers, and cranes can be inspected for free by local environmental bureaus.
