Is Pushing a Motorcycle at Red Light Illegal? Court Ruling Confirms 'Immediate Fine of NT$2,700' – Most Drivers Are Wrong

Is pushing a motorcycle at a red light illegal?

Many commuters may have seen motorcyclists turning off their engines, getting off, and pushing their bikes across the stop line, through crosswalks, or making U-turns at red lights. Regarding this controversial practice of 'walking instead of riding,' the Taiwan Traffic Accident Rights Protection Association, law enforcement agencies, and judicial rulings have provided a clear answer: this behavior is still considered 'running a red light' and is subject to fines.

The Taiwan Traffic Accident Rights Protection Association stated that the legal nature of motorcyclists turning off their engines and pushing their bikes at red lights was already clarified by the National Police Agency (NPA) in 2012 through an official directive (NPA Traffic Division No. 1010133556).

The NPA determined that when a motorcyclist, upon encountering a red light at an intersection, dismounts and pushes the motorcycle across the stop line, through pedestrian crossings, across roads, or makes a U-turn before riding away, the following applies:

- The person is still regarded as a 'motorcycle driver,' not a pedestrian. - This act constitutes a violation. Under Article 53, Paragraph 1 of the Road Traffic Management Penalty Act, it is classified as 'running a red light' and carries a fine of NT$1,800 to NT$5,400.

New Taipei City Traffic Adjudication Office: 'Legal Evasion' That Endangers Traffic Safety

In response to some citizens arguing that 'dismounting turns them into pedestrians' and filing administrative lawsuits, the New Taipei City Government Traffic Adjudication Office stated that if there is no mechanical failure or other valid reason, deliberately pushing a motorcycle across the stop line at a red light still constitutes a red-light violation.

The office cited actual court rulings to support this:

According to the Taiwan Taipei District Court's 102nd Annual Traffic Case No. 217 ruling, using a roundabout method like pushing a motorcycle to achieve passage constitutes a 'legal evasion act' intended to circumvent mandatory regulations. If such behavior—formally appearing legal—is permitted, it would encourage rule avoidance, increase traffic risks, and disrupt traffic order. Therefore, exemption from liability cannot be claimed.

Additionally, the Taipei High Administrative Court's 111th Annual Traffic Appeal Case No. 123 clearly stated that ignoring the prohibition of a circular red light and manually pushing across the stop line to make a U-turn meets the elements of 'running a red light,' regardless of whether actual riding occurred at the time of crossing. This behavior interferes with vehicles proceeding on the green light, endangering traffic order and road user safety.

Relevant authorities and associations remind motorcyclists to stop and wait properly at red lights and refrain from pushing across the stop line, to avoid unintentional violations due to misunderstanding the law.

Fines for Running a Red Light - Motorcycle: NT$1,800–2,700 - Small vehicle: NT$2,700–4,000 - Large vehicle: NT$3,600–5,400 - Right turn on red: NT$600–1,800