TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Legislative Yuan on Tuesday passed amendments to the Noise Control Act, raising fines for vehicles that exceed noise limits to up to NT$36,000 (US$1,100) and allowing license suspension for severe or repeat offenders.

Under previous regulations, owners or users of motor vehicles exceeding noise limits faced fines of NT$1,800 and NT$3,600, per CNA. However, many vehicles initially pass inspections using their original exhaust systems but later switch to modified exhausts, disturbing residents late at night or early in the morning.

In response, several lawmakers proposed increasing fines to deter such behavior. The Legislative Yuan’s Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee approved the amendments in early November, and the bill was placed on Tuesday’s plenary session agenda and passed at the third reading.

The amendments now impose fines of NT$3,600 to NT$36,000 and require corrections within a designated period. If noncompliance persists, further penalties may be applied, and severe cases can result in license suspension until the issue is resolved.

Repeated violations within a year can result in a six-month license suspension. The amendments also designate the Ministry of Environment as the central competent authority following the restructuring of the Environmental Protection Administration.