MOT to Ban Improper License Plate Fees Charged by Taxi Companies, Effective as Early as August

(CNA) -- Taxi companies have been accused of improperly charging license plate affiliation fees, with some reportedly charging up to NT$350,000. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOT) announced today that it is proposing amendments to regulations to prohibit such improper fees. Violators could face fines of up to NT$90,000 and have their business licenses revoked. The changes are expected to take effect as early as August.

There are approximately 100,000 taxi license plates nationwide, with about 93,000 vehicles currently registered. This leaves about 6,000 unused license plates. The MOT has received complaints that taxi companies are improperly charging affiliation fees for these plates, with the situation being most severe in Taichung, where fees have reached NT$350,000.

The MOT announced today that it is proposing amendments to the Regulations Governing Automobile Transportation Business, the Detailed Rules for the Examination of Automobile Transportation Business, and the Regulations for the Establishment and Management of Taxi Transportation Cooperatives.

The MOT stated that the key points of these amendments include adding prohibited acts for taxi company operations. These include charging fees that are not approved or stipulated in contracts, requiring drivers to purchase vehicles, obtain loans, or purchase insurance from designated parties, treating drivers who do not join specific fleets differently, and unilaterally repossessing license plates during the contract period.

The MOT said that transportation authorities may order taxi companies to cease improper fee collection, and companies will be required to refund any overcharged amounts. The fee standards for affiliation must be reviewed by transportation authorities and posted on the authority's website. Affiliation contracts signed between taxi companies and drivers, and receipts for fees collected, must be retained for inspection by transportation authorities. The replacement period for unused taxi license plates will be shortened from 3 years to 1 year, with a single extension of 1 year permitted.

The relevant regulations are expected to be implemented as early as August. The MOT stated that if taxi companies violate the Regulations Governing Automobile Transportation Business in the future, they may be fined NT$9,000 to NT$90,000 in accordance with Article 77, Paragraph 1 of the Highway Act. Depending on the severity of the violation, operations may be suspended, and in the most severe cases, their business licenses may be revoked. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150622

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