TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Transportation and Communications said Thursday the fine for drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians and cause serious injury or death will double from NT$18,000 (US$552) to NT$36,000, effective June 30.
In cases involving minor injuries, the fine will rise from NT$7,200 to NT$18,000. Offending drivers will also face criminal charges and have their driver’s license suspended for up to five years, per CNA.
The ministry said the changes are part of its ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety. Last year, 17,162 pedestrians were killed or injured, a decrease of 498 compared to 2023. The number of fatalities also dropped from 380 to 366.
The ministry said that last year, police recorded 110,179 cases of vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians, around 33,000 fewer than in 2023. In contrast, there were 85,239 cases of pedestrian violations, an increase of 14,000 compared to 2023.
Liu Hung-chang (劉鴻樟), chair of the drivers' rights alliance in Taiwan, called the increased fines for drivers unfair. Liu noted that pedestrians who run red lights or cross roads illegally are only fined NT$500. He urged the government to increase penalties for pedestrian violations as well.
Liu added that improving road safety requires more than fines. It should focus on public education and urban planning to separate pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Many roads in Taiwan lack adequate sidewalks or bike lanes, forcing pedestrians to compete with vehicles for space. Poorly designed intersections often create blind spots for drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, unclear signs and roadside obstacles like utility poles and streetlights also compromise road safety and hinder pedestrian access.
The ministry is collaborating with local governments this year to upgrade pedestrian safety at about 1,300 intersections. As of April, Taipei had improved 43 locations, making it the slowest among Taiwan’s six major cities. In contrast, Kaohsiung completed improvements at 135 out of its target of 256 intersections, while Taichung finished 65 of its 100 targeted sites.
