TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan authorities have increased penalties for drunk driving over the past few years, and the scope of vehicles encompassed by regulations has now included bicycles and electric-powered scooters. Compared with traditional man-powered transportation, electric-powered vehicles may see heftier fines.
Under Taiwan's current regulations, skateboards, scooters, and roller skates are all classed as human-powered transport. However, electric scooters, hoverboards, and electric bikes are all considered "electric motor-powered vehicles."
This means that if riders are caught driving under the influence of these electric vehicles, they will be fined as it will be seen as a public safety violation under criminal law. Even though the "Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act" has slacker restrictions, the criminal law makes up for it in spades. Still, it may not be enough to cover certain loopholes.
For example, many bikes today have motors, but can also be moved through pedaling. To this, many questioned if someone is caught riding it under the influence, what would the penalty be?
According to Yang Hsin-yi, who is the head of Haishan Precinct in New Taipei City, the penalty given will depend on the officer on duty. If they witness the drunk driver cruising along without pedaling, they will be fined as such. Moreover, elders in Taiwan often use small electric carts to get around.
According to current regulations, they are viewed as medical equipment, so even if they violate traffic rules, there aren’t any laws that could penalize them. However, Taiwan is looking to update its Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act which means all-electric vehicles may be classed as "slow-moving vehicles" and will be fined accordingly.
