To curb unlicensed driving and reduce traffic accidents, amended road traffic regulations officially came into effect on January 31, 2026. Under the new rules, anyone caught driving without a license will face increased fines, immediate vehicle impoundment, and will be required to pay for and attend road traffic safety courses, regardless of age.

The Highway Bureau stated that cases of unlicensed driving have continued to rise in recent years, becoming a significant factor affecting road safety. Statistics show that in 2025, approximately 20,000 cases involved minors driving without a license, while adult cases reached about 260,000, indicating that such violations have become widespread. In response, the revised system expands the scope of mandatory training by adding a dedicated “Unlicensed Driving Violation Class” to strengthen educational guidance.

Under the new regulations, fines for unlicensed car drivers have been raised to a maximum of NT$60,000, while unlicensed motorcycle riders may be fined up to NT$36,000. Those who violate the rules twice within ten years will be fined at the maximum level, and repeat offenders with three or more violations will face further increased penalties. The mandatory course lasts three hours at a cost of NT$200 per hour and covers road risk awareness, licensing procedures, traffic laws and legal responsibilities, as well as the proper use of driver assistance systems.

The Highway Bureau called on the public to note that the upper limit on fines for unlicensed driving has been removed under the amended law, significantly increasing the cost of violations. By combining stricter penalties with mandatory training, the policy aims to guide drivers toward obtaining licenses through legal channels and to enhance overall road safety.