Keelung City Releases Names and Photos of 7 Repeat Drug-Impaired Drivers; 171 Cases Reported This Year

Central News Agency, Keelung, June 1. Keelung City has cracked down on 171 cases of drug-impaired driving this year. The City Police Bureau, in cooperation with the Keelung Motor Vehicles Office, released the names and photos of seven repeat offenders in Keelung City and the Xizhi, Ruifang, Shuangxi, Pingxi, Gongliao, Wanli, and Jinshan districts of New Taipei City today, hoping to strengthen the deterrent effect. The City Police Bureau stated in a press release that drug-impaired driving is subject to heavy penalties if a saliva test is positive. In addition to criminal liability, according to the 'Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act,' offenders can be fined up to NT$120,000 (NT$90,000 for motorcycles), have their licenses suspended, and have their vehicles impounded on the spot. The police pointed out that if the offense is repeated within 10 years, the second offense carries a maximum fine of NT$120,000 and a three-year license suspension, with subsequent offenses carrying heavier, uncapped penalties. Those who refuse testing face a direct fine of NT$180,000, vehicle impoundment, and license revocation. The police reported that as of yesterday, 171 cases had been handled (152 via saliva tests, 19 via urine tests). Driving under the influence of drugs is a 'ticking time bomb' that threatens public safety, and the police will continue to strengthen enforcement and disclose offender data.