Drivers Beware! New Traffic Regulation Takes Effect: 'Tech Enforcement Without Fines in One County' – Latest Rules Explained

The fixed-speed camera in Qingjing, Nantou, which once caused many drivers to receive speeding fines and was nicknamed the 'national treasury ATM,' has quietly been removed from the enforcement list, drawing attention from numerous road users. In response, Nantou police confirmed that the speed detection equipment located on Provincial Highway 14甲 at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters has not been dismantled but has temporarily suspended enforcement. The primary reason is a clear decline in speeding violations and traffic accidents in the area. However, police emphasized that if violations increase again in the future, they may reinstate enforcement.

Taiwan’s Highest-Altitude Speed Camera Once Issued Over 100 Tickets a Day

This fixed-speed camera is located at the 7.95-kilometer mark of Provincial Highway 14甲 in Ren’ai Township, Nantou County. It lies on a crucial route to Qingjing Farm and Hehuan Mountain and is Taiwan’s highest-altitude fixed-speed enforcement device. As this section features a long downhill stretch with multiple curves and a steep gradient, and the speed limit is only 30 km/h, many drivers inadvertently exceed the limit. Since its launch in January 2019, the number of violations caught has been astonishing.

According to past statistics, in the early days after installation, the device issued over 100 tickets per day on average. Media reports even indicated that within just half a month, the total fines collected exceeded 3.5 million New Taiwan dollars, earning it the nickname 'ticket king of Nantou' among netizens and even being jokingly called the 'national treasury ATM.'

Why Has Enforcement Suddenly Stopped? Police Reveal the Real Reason

Recently, when Nantou County police released the latest list of fixed-speed camera enforcement locations, many citizens noticed that this famous speed pole had disappeared from the list. There was initial speculation that it might have been dismantled. However, police clarified that the speed detection equipment remains in place and has not been removed—it is simply temporarily halting enforcement.

Police explained that after years of enforcement, most drivers are now aware of the speed camera’s presence and naturally slow down when passing through. As a result, both speeding violations and traffic accidents have significantly decreased in recent years, indicating that the speed camera has successfully served its purpose as a traffic safety warning. Therefore, authorities have decided to temporarily suspend enforcement.

Police emphasized that the suspension does not mean permanent deactivation. They will continue to monitor traffic volume, average vehicle speeds, violation counts, and accident data in the area. If speeding or accidents rise again, the fixed-speed camera will be reactivated to maintain road safety.

Mountain Roads Still Require Caution: Police Warn Against Speeding Despite Camera Pause

Police also reminded drivers that Provincial Highway 14甲 is a critical mountain road leading to Qingjing Farm and Hehuan Mountain, with numerous curves and steep gradients. Even though speed enforcement is currently suspended, drivers should still adhere to the posted speed limits.

Especially on downhill sections, drivers are advised to use low gears to control speed and avoid prolonged brake use, which can lead to brake overheating. Additionally, never cross double yellow lines to overtake or drive while fatigued, to prevent traffic accidents.

Police urged the public not to treat mountain roads like highways just because the 'ticket king' has temporarily stopped issuing fines. Obeying traffic rules remains the best way to ensure personal and public safety.

Editor: Lin Li