Taipei: The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announced plans to impose stricter penalties on drivers found under the influence of narcotics, following a series of severe traffic accidents involving drug-impaired drivers.
According to Focus Taiwan, the MOTC held inter-agency meetings earlier this year with the Judicial Yuan, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the National Police Agency to deliberate on necessary legal amendments. Currently, drug-impaired driving incurs both administrative and criminal repercussions, violating Article 35 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act and Article 185-3 of the Criminal Code.
Proposed amendments to the traffic law suggest revoking licenses for drug-impaired driving offenders, with a three-year ban on reapplying for a new license, replacing the existing one- to two-year suspension. Additionally, individuals using Category 1 and Category 2 narcotics would face license revocation, irrespective of their driving status, to prevent the potential risk of such individuals operating vehicles.
Possession of Category 3 and Category 4 narcotics would result in a license suspension. The MOTC also plans to increase fines for both first-time and repeat offenders of drug-impaired driving, and introduce penalties for passengers aged 18 or older who knowingly ride with drug-impaired drivers, thereby reinforcing deterrence through shared responsibility.
The MOTC did not disclose the specific fine amounts in its announcement. It also aims to establish a driving eligibility management system for drug-impaired drivers and users, mandating drug addiction treatment or education programs, and a drug-free period before reapplying for or renewing a driving license.
As an immediate step, the MOTC will prioritize amendments to the Road Traffic Safety Rules. Confirmed drug users will be required to complete relevant treatment or education programs and meet eligibility conditions before obtaining a short-term driving permit or reapplying for a driving license.
Data from the Criminal Investigation Bureau revealed 4,725 drug-related DUI cases were referred to prosecutors from January to April this year, a threefold increase compared to the same period last year.