The National Police Agency has implemented nationwide enforcement of yielding to pedestrians at intersections since May 1st. The enforcement focuses on the top ten high-risk (violation) road sections within the jurisdiction of each police department. The results of the first week of enforcement were announced, with a total of 41,690 violations (fines exceeding NT$40 million) being enforced.
Among them, there were 5,621 violations of failure to yield to pedestrians at intersections, an increase of 4,555 cases (+427%) compared to the same period last year. There were also 2,185 violations of failure to park at intersections according to signs and pavement markings, an increase of 1,253 cases (+134%) compared to the same period last year. Enforcement was taken against 31,620 violations of illegal parking and unauthorized temporary parking on sidewalks, an increase of 5,320 cases (+20.22%) compared to the same period last year. Additionally, 2,264 cases of obstructions on roads (e.g., street vendors occupying lanes) were enforced, an increase of 1,452 cases (+178%) compared to the same period last year. These measures have effectively improved traffic order.
The National Police Agency emphasizes that intersection enforcement does not take holidays, and each police department will continue to strengthen the related enforcement. Motor vehicle drivers are reminded to abide by traffic regulations to avoid significant financial losses. (Starting from March 31, the Ministry of Transportation revised the law to increase penalties for vehicles passing through pedestrian crossings without temporarily stopping to let pedestrians cross and for vehicles turning without temporarily stopping to give priority to pedestrians. The penalties for small vehicles were raised from NT$2,000 to the maximum legal fine of NT$3,600, and the penalties for large vehicles were raised from NT$2,800 to the maximum legal fine of NT$3,600. The penalty for motorcycles remains at NT$1,200.) Pedestrians are also urged to adhere to the following guidelines: 1) Do not run red lights illegally; 2) Pedestrians should use crosswalks or pedestrian walkways; 3) When going out in the early morning, dusk, or at night, wear bright clothing or carry reflective items to increase driver awareness; 4) When crossing intersections, always use a crosswalk and avoid crossing the road directly. Both drivers and pedestrians are encouraged to develop a sense of respect for the right of way.
The National Police Agency also reminds the public that if they observe violations such as vehicles failing to yield on the road, they can report the violations to the police by providing specific details and supporting evidence.
