Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications is taking firm steps toward protecting pedestrian safety. On April 21, 2025, the ministry revealed plans to raise fines and improve road design across the country.
Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai called pedestrian fatalities a “national disgrace” in an earlier interview. Since then, the ministry has moved to change the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act.
Under the upcoming changes, fines for drivers who seriously injure or kill a pedestrian will rise to NT$36,000. Even drivers causing minor injuries will face harsher penalties, with fines increasing from NT$7,200 to NT$18,000.
Additionally, Taiwan will change license penalties for violators. Causing minor injuries will now lead to a license revocation of one to two years. More serious incidents will result in a suspension lasting four to five years.
Beyond stricter punishments, Taiwan also aims to improve road infrastructure. The government will widen the space between stop lines and pedestrian crossings. The current one- to two-meter gap will expand to two to three meters.
This change comes after surveys showed many intersections had dangerously narrow gaps. A few even measured under one meter, putting pedestrians at risk.
To enforce the changes, the ministry will begin random road inspections nationwide in the third quarter of 2025. Officials will check intersections and recommend upgrades where necessary.
All cities and counties must report intersections that fail to meet the new standards. Local governments must also prepare improvement plans and complete them by year’s end.
These measures show a clear commitment to protecting pedestrian safety. Taiwan wants safer roads and stronger accountability for drivers.
With new laws and better infrastructure, the country continues advancing its mission of protecting pedestrian safety. The changes are expected to take full effect starting June 2025.
