Taichung Man Fined 189,000 NTD for Unlicensed Drunk Driving; Pays Up After Property Investigation

A man surnamed Shih in Taichung was fined 189,000 NTD for unlicensed drunk driving and refusing a breathalyzer test. Shih had previously been banned from obtaining a driver's license for life due to repeated drunk driving offenses. Because he failed to pay the fine, the Taichung Branch of the Administrative Enforcement Agency initiated enforcement proceedings. The agency's investigation found that Shih's car was old and his bank deposits were social assistance funds, which are exempt from seizure. However, by tracking changes in his real estate, the agency summoned Shih, who appeared on May 27 and paid the fine in full. The agency recommended that Shih seek treatment for alcohol addiction and provided referral channels. The agency urges habitual drunk drivers to seek treatment to prevent further harm.