Driving in Taiwan can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to understand the local driving standards, road safety, and traffic rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here’s what you need to know before getting behind the wheel in Taiwan.
Road Safety in Taiwan
While Taiwan has well-maintained roads and modern infrastructure, road safety is a concern for both locals and tourists. Taiwan has a high rate of traffic accidents and fatalities, with the majority of accidents caused by human error.
The major reasons for accidents include speeding, reckless driving, and distracted driving. It’s important to drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Also, note that motorcycles and scooters are very popular in Taiwan and are often seen weaving in and out of traffic.
Quality of Roads and Local Driving Standards
Taiwan has a comprehensive network of highways and roads, with the expressways being well-maintained and efficient. However, rural roads can be narrow and winding, making them more challenging to navigate.
In terms of local driving standards, drivers in Taiwan tend to be assertive and confident. It’s not uncommon to see drivers cutting each other off or driving aggressively, but this behavior should be avoided as it can lead to accidents.
Legal Requirements for Equipment in Your car
When driving in Taiwan, you are legally required to carry the following items in your car:
- A warning triangle
- Reflective safety vests for all passengers
- A first-aid kit
- A fire extinguisher
These items are mandatory, and failure to carry them could result in a fine if you are pulled over by the police.
Legal Requirements in the Event of a Road Accident
If you are involved in a road accident in Taiwan, you must stop your vehicle and call the police immediately. It’s important to stay at the scene of the accident until the police arrive, as leaving the scene is a criminal offense.
Also, it’s crucial to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident. In Taiwan, it’s not uncommon for disputes to arise between drivers after an accident, so it’s important to have all the necessary information on hand.
Main Driving Rules in Taiwan
When driving in Taiwan, there are several important rules you should be aware of, including:
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- Vehicles turning right have the right of way over vehicles going straight or turning left.
- Speed limits vary depending on the type of road and are typically between 50-70 km/h in urban areas and up to 110 km/h on expressways.
- Seat belts must be worn at all times by all passengers in the car.
- Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal.
It’s also worth noting that Taiwan has strict drink-driving laws, with a zero-tolerance policy in place. If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you could face severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or even deportation.
Road Signs and Traffic Lights in Taiwan
Road signs in Taiwan follow international standards, with signs displayed in both Chinese and English. Some of the most important road signs to look out for include:
- Stop signs (紅燈停) Рindicates a full stop is required.
- Yield signs (讓路) Рindicates that you should give way to other traffic.
- No parking signs (禁止停車) Рindicates that parking is not allowed.
Traffic lights in Taiwan operate the same way as in most other countries, with red indicating stop, green indicating go, and yellow indicating caution.
Getting Up-to-date Road Traffic Information in Taiwan
If you want to stay up-to-date with road traffic information in Taiwan, there are several resources available online:
- Taiwan National Freeway
The Taiwan National Freeway Bureau provides real-time traffic information on its website and mobile app. The website is available in both Chinese and English and offers a range of useful features, including live traffic camera feeds, travel time estimations, and real-time traffic updates.
Another resource is the Taiwan Traffic Information Service, which provides live traffic updates on its website and mobile app. The service covers major highways and roads throughout Taiwan, and users can view real-time traffic conditions, travel time estimations, and road closures or construction.
Parking Rules in Taiwan
Parking can be a challenge in Taiwan, especially in urban areas with high population density. Here’s what you need to know about parking rules in Taiwan:
On-street parking: In Taiwan, on-street parking is often limited and regulated by local authorities. Drivers should look out for no-parking signs or markings and avoid parking illegally to avoid fines or towing.
Off-street parking: There are several options for off-street parking in Taiwan, including public parking lots, parking garages, and private lots. Rates and availability vary depending on the location and time of day.
Parking permits: If you are an expat living in Taiwan, you may be eligible for a parking permit. These permits allow you to park in designated areas without having to pay parking fees or fines. To apply for a parking permit, you will need to provide proof of residency and pay a fee.
Disabled parking: Taiwan has designated disabled parking spaces, which are marked with a blue and white symbol. Drivers with disabilities can apply for a disabled parking permit, which allows them to park in designated spaces.
Driving in Taiwan can be an enjoyable and exciting experience, but it’s important to be aware of the local driving standards, road safety, and traffic rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can have a smooth and stress-free driving experience in Taiwan.