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進入《TAIPEI TIMES》 Lawmakers pass tougher drug-driving penalties
Police pull over a vehicle at a stop looking for drug-impaired drivers in Chiayi City in an undated photograph. Photo courtesy of the Chiayi City Government
CONSEQUENCES:Refusing a drug test carries a fines of NT$270,000 to NT$450,000, while repeat offenders face lifetimes bans and the confiscation of their vehicle
By Lin Hsin-han and Fion Khan / Staff reporter, with staff writer and CNA
The Legislative Yuan yesterday passed the third reading of amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act （道路交通管理處罰條例）, significantly raising the penalties for drug-impaired driving.
Under the amendments, first-time offenders convicted of driving while under the influence of drugs would face fines of NT$150,000 if operating an automobile and NT$120,000 if riding a motorcycle.
A second drug-impaired driving offense within five years would result in an additional NT$90,000 fine on top of the previous penalty, with no upper limit on the total amount.
Those who refuse a drug test would be fined NT$270,000 for a first offense and NT$450,000 for a second offense.
A third or subsequent refusal would incur an additional NT$180,000 each time, with penalties accumulating without limit.
Operators of slow-moving vehicles, such as bicycles, caught riding under the influence of drugs would be fined NT$2,400 to NT$12,000 and immediately prohibited from continuing to ride, while those who refuse testing would face a fine of NT$24,000.
Vehicles used by drivers who drive under the influence of drugs, refuse drug tests or drive while their licenses are suspended or revoked would be confiscated regardless of vehicle ownership.
Those caught driving under the influence of drugs or who refuse testing would have their driver’s licenses revoked, with a three-year ban on reapplying.
Repeat offenders and those responsible for serious injury or fatal crashes while driving under the influence of drugs would face permanent license revocation and a lifetime driving ban.
People caught driving after having their licenses revoked for drug-impaired driving would face a fine of NT$36,000, up from NT$12,000.
Subsequent contraventions would incur progressively higher penalties with no upper limit, and the vehicle involved — whether an automobile or motorcycle — would be confiscated.
The amendments further stipulate that people found to have used illegal drugs or other controlled substances would have their driver’s license revoked upon confirmation by police authorities.
Motorists whose licenses have been revoked for drug-impaired driving would be required to complete anti-drug driving education programs and applicable rehabilitation measures, including observation and rehabilitation programs, compulsory treatment, addiction treatment or drug-awareness courses, before they could apply for a new license.
After passing the required driving tests, offenders would be issued a new license only if they commit no further contraventions for one year.
The amendments also introduce penalties for adult passengers traveling with drug-impaired drivers.
Passengers aged 18 or older riding in a vehicle operated by a drug-impaired driver would face fines of NT$6,000 to NT$15,000.
The Executive Yuan on June 18 approved draft amendments, which were reviewed by the legislature’s Transportation Committee on July 13 before passing a third reading yesterday.
新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES
