TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — As of the end of May, the number of registered motor vehicles in Taiwan surpassed 23.357 million, officially exceeding the country’s total population.
According to Highway Bureau statistics, the registered vehicles include passenger cars, trucks, and scooters, per China Times. Of these, 8.255 million are private cars, 435,000 are commercial vehicles, and 14.665 million are scooters.
New Taipei has the highest number of vehicles, followed by Taichung and Kaohsiung. The total exceeded Taiwan’s population of 23.355 million by 1,911.
The Highway Bureau explained that individuals and legal entities can register vehicles without a limit.
The bureau noted that in many suburbanized areas worldwide, individuals often own more than one vehicle to meet commuting or family needs. In Taiwan, rising living standards have led many to own a scooter and a car, with scooters for daily commutes and cars for longer trips.
Lee Ker-tsung (李克聰), convener of the transportation committee at the Consumers' Foundation, said the high vehicle count may signal reduced reliance on public transport. He argued that unless public transit becomes more comprehensive and affordable, those with private vehicles are unlikely to shift away from them.
Lee recommended that the government raise the cost of private vehicle use through measures such as higher parking fees, license taxes, or fuel charges. This, he said, would make public transit passes more appealing and help slow vehicle growth.
Road safety group Vision Zero Taiwan called on the government to develop a sustainable transportation model that encourages walking, cycling, and public transit. The group urged local governments to set measurable targets and timelines, citing London’s plan to increase its sustainable travel rate from 67% to 80% by 2041.
The bureau emphasized that registration numbers do not reflect how frequently vehicles are used. It added that usage data is more relevant when assessing transportation impact.
While banning car ownership is not feasible, the bureau said the government’s focus should be on guiding the public toward mass transit — an approach it said would also improve road safety.
