In Cases of DUI Violations, Passengers in Vehicle to Pay Fines as Well

 In Cases of DUI Violations, Passengers in Vehicle to Pay Fines as Well

Source: United Daily News

April 27, 2007

On April 26, the Legislature’s Transportation Committee passed in the first reading the amendment bill to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act (道路交通管理處罰條例). According to the amendment bill, drivers convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol would face a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$90,000 (US$1,000 to US$3,000). If drivers refuse to take a breathalyzer test, they would be fined NT$ 180,000 (US$ 6,000). The amendment bill would further impose a progressive system for penalties for DUI recidivists and drivers who refuse the breathalyzer test, i.e., the fine for a second conviction would be doubled, a third conviction tripled, etc. Moreover, passengers in the vehicle with a drunk driver would be subject to a fine of NT$6,000 to NT$12,000 (US$200 to US$400) as well.

Minister of Transportation and Communications ( MOTC) Ho Chen-tan (賀陳旦) opined that “DUI violations have been rampant and hefty fines are therefore required.” He went on to say that getting behind the wheel while intoxicated and refusing the breathalyzer test were malicious acts, but the recidivism rate had continued to climb, adding that the MOTC agreed with the amendment bill and supported the recommendation to hike the penalties significantly.

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