Seniors Aged 70 and Above, Remember to Claim Your Money! 'Government Offers NT$36,000 Transportation Subsidy' – All Eligible Nationwide Can Apply, Full Application Guide Here

Attention senior drivers! The Ministry of Transportation has amended Article 52-2 of the Road Traffic Safety Regulations, officially implementing a new senior driver license renewal system. The age threshold for periodic renewal has been lowered from 75 to 70, affecting an estimated 1.28 million elderly citizens across Taiwan. Starting in June, the Directorate General of Highways will send written notices by household registration, distributing approximately 100,000 notices per month in batches. The agency urges seniors to wait for their notification before proceeding—there is no need to rush.

How much subsidy can you receive if you stop driving? Up to NT$36,000 in transportation incentives for voluntary surrender

For seniors who assess their physical condition and decide to stop driving cars or motorcycles, the government has introduced the Senior TPASS Travel Incentive Program, encouraging a smooth transition to public transportation. Seniors aged 70 and above who voluntarily visit a motor vehicle office to cancel and return all their ordinary car and motorcycle licenses (they must surrender all licenses—partial surrender is not allowed) and sign a personal data authorization form can link their senior citizen or爱心 card (love card) e-wallet. When using public transportation, they will receive a 50% cash rebate on actual monthly expenses, up to NT$1,500 per person per month. The subsidy begins the day after completion of the surrender process and continues for 2 consecutive years, with a total maximum subsidy of NT$36,000.

This subsidy is available nationwide and covers metro, light rail, TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration), city buses, highway buses, intercity coaches, public bicycles, ferry services, and taxis equipped with electronic ticketing systems. Monthly rebate amounts can be claimed starting on the 25th of the following month. Seniors simply need to bring their senior card to any of the four major convenience stores and have the clerk recharge it, or tap the card at a metro station add-value machine to deposit the rebate.

Do you need to take a test to keep driving? License renewal at age 70 requires only two simple steps

For seniors who, after assessment, still wish to drive, license renewal at age 70 does NOT require cognitive function tests such as clock-drawing or memory assessments. Many people confuse the rules for ages 70 and 75. The Motor Vehicles Office and police have clarified that upon receiving the notice, seniors only need to complete a physical examination and a safety education course—two basic steps—and pay an administrative fee of NT$50 per license to receive a new license valid until their 75th birthday.

The physical examination must be conducted at public hospitals, health centers, or designated medical institutions, where a physician evaluates vision, hearing, and limb mobility. The safety education course includes a 30-minute road hazard perception simulation and case explanations, with no fees charged.

In contrast, drivers aged 75 and above must continue to renew their licenses every three years under the existing rules. In addition to the physical exam and safety education, they must pass a cognitive function test covering time-space orientation, memory, and clock-drawing (or submit documentation proving they do not have moderate to severe dementia).

What happens if you don't renew? Driving after the grace period can result in a fine of up to NT$3,600

To allow seniors sufficient time to adjust, the Ministry of Transportation has established a grace period. For those turning 70 after the new system takes effect, a 2-year grace period begins on their 70th birthday. For those already aged 70 to 74 when the system is implemented, the grace period ends uniformly on May 31, 2028.

Driving beyond the grace period may result in being stopped by police or involved in an accident. Under the Road Traffic Management Penalty Act, offenders will be immediately prohibited from driving, have their license confiscated, and face a fine of between NT$1,800 and NT$3,600. However, if a citation is issued for failure to renew, the fine can be waived if the renewal process is completed at a motor vehicle office within three months.

How are local governments promoting awareness? One-stop and便民 services launched nationwide

Following the new policy, counties and cities across Taiwan are actively developing support measures. The Hsinchu City Motor Vehicles Office pioneered a one-stop service by partnering with Tian Gong Temple and Xinsheng Hospital, allowing seniors to complete their renewal process on-site after a 2-hour safety course and simulation. With approximately 38,000 to 40,000 seniors aged 70 and above in Hsinchu, this service has received excellent feedback.

Tainan City, expecting around 95,000 renewals, has expanded cooperating clinics and enabled district health centers to offer integrated physical exams. It has also recorded promotional audio played by garbage trucks to alleviate seniors' anxiety. The Taitung Motor Vehicles Office, together with Guanshan Police Station and other units, has proactively visited villages, indigenous communities, cultural health stations, and senior centers to conduct mobile safety courses and traffic education, reducing travel burdens for rural elders.

Hsinchu City Motor Vehicles Office Director Huang You-Chuan stated that the core of the new system is care for senior road safety, ensuring that whether seniors continue driving or switch to public transit, they can travel more safely and securely. He urges seniors to complete their physical exams, attend the safety course, and renew their licenses upon receiving the notice, safeguarding their own and others' road safety.