New Regulations Proposed: Six Months Addiction Treatment Required Before Short-Term License Renewal for Drug Offenders, Aiming for Mid-July Implementation

(Central News Agency Reporter Huang Chao-wen, Taipei, June 18) In response to frequent incidents of driving under the influence of drugs, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications today announced proposed amendments to road safety regulations. These changes will strengthen qualification reviews for license renewal after revocation, introduce a probationary period for license holders, and stipulate that individuals can only renew their license for a 3-year short-term permit after completing drug addiction treatment or counseling and remaining drug-free for six months. A six-year observation period will be established, with the new system slated to take effect in mid-July.

In addition to cooperating with the Executive Yuan's review and amendment of the "Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act" to enhance penalties and license management mechanisms for drug-impaired driving, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications today pre-announced amendments to specific articles of the administrative regulation "Road Traffic Safety Rules." These measures aim to establish a preventive control mechanism from the perspectives of driver qualification management, license issuance, and restrictions on license holders, thereby proactively reducing the risk of high-risk drivers on the road.

Chao Chin-wei, a specialist at the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' Public Transportation and Supervision Division, explained to the media during a press briefing that, firstly, a probationary system for license renewal for drug users will be established. Confirmed drug-using drivers will be required to complete drug addiction treatment or drug hazard counseling as stipulated. Only after completing these requirements and remaining drug-free for six months from the completion date will they be eligible to renew their driver's license for a short-term permit valid for three years.

A six-year observation period will be implemented. During this period, licenses must be renewed every three years. Chao Chin-wei stated, "This means that after renewing twice, they can then obtain a driver's license that is valid until they are 70 years old."

Secondly, qualification management for license holders will be strengthened. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications stated that completing drug addiction treatment or drug hazard counseling and renewing driver's licenses according to regulations will be a necessary condition for drug users to regain their driving qualifications. Driving will not be permitted before completing the relevant procedures.

Thirdly, the review of license examination qualifications will be enhanced. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications pointed out that individuals confirmed to have used drugs, who have not completed drug addiction treatment or drug hazard counseling, or who have used drugs again within six months of completion, will not be permitted to take the automobile driver's license examination, thereby preventing high-risk drivers from directly obtaining driving qualifications.

Fourthly, regulations for re-examination after license revocation due to drug-impaired driving will be added. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications stated that individuals whose driver's licenses have been revoked due to drug-impaired driving must submit proof of completion of drug addiction treatment or drug hazard counseling in accordance with the "Drug Hazard Prevention Act" when applying for a re-examination for their driver's license.

Furthermore, to prevent confirmed drug-using drivers from obtaining driver's licenses through reciprocal license exchange to evade domestic management, this amendment explicitly prohibits them from driving or exchanging for a regular driver's license using foreign government-issued, mainland Chinese, Hong Kong, or Macao-issued driver's licenses (certificates), or international driving permits, before completing the license renewal procedures.

Chao Chin-wei stated that the draft period for public comment is 14 days. Subsequently, joint promulgation procedures will be expedited with the Ministry of the Interior. The regulations are expected to take effect in mid-July 2026. Once a drug-impaired driving incident is reported, the driver will enter the high-risk license renewal mechanism, with the hope that the legislative amendment will reduce the number of accidents. (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 06/18/2024

Cherish life, stay away from drugs. You can call the Drug Hazard Prevention Center hotline 0800-770-885 for information and professional assistance regarding addiction treatment.

Stand with the facts. Every contribution you make supports the power of press freedom.

Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP for real-time updates.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.