TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Transportation and Communications on Wednesday said it plans to standardize roadside saliva rapid drug tests by the end of the year.
The ministry last month announced draft amendments to traffic safety regulations and penalties, per UDN. Although police can already use saliva drug test kits during roadside checks, there are no clear rules governing their use, and the proposed changes are designed to standardize their use.
Under the draft, saliva drug tests would become a standard enforcement tool for police. It also specifies testing procedures and penalties for drivers who refuse to comply.
The proposal requires that the entire testing process be continuously video-recorded. Testing should be conducted at the roadside whenever possible, and if not feasible, officers must explain the reason before moving to a police station or other suitable location.
After the test, officers must inform the driver of the results and request their signature on the testing record. Drivers who test positive for drug use will be fined according to existing laws.
Motorists who refuse testing could face a NT$180,000 (US$5,800) fine, license revocation, and a two-year suspension of vehicle registration. If the refusal leads to an accident causing serious injury or death, the vehicle may be confiscated.
Drivers who refuse testing twice within 10 years could be fined NT$360,000. A third refusal would result in an additional NT$180,000 fine, revocation of the driver’s license, public disclosure of the offender's name, photo, and infraction, and a two-year suspension of the vehicle’s registration.
Drivers of slow-moving vehicles, including bicycles, e-bikes, and light electric scooters, who refuse testing could be fined NT$4,800 and immediately banned from driving. Light electric scooters may also be impounded on the spot.
The ministry said the amendments aim to clarify enforcement procedures for cracking down on drug-impaired driving and are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
