Holding the Steering Wheel but Fined NT$3,000! Drivers Unaware of One Rule Hit with Heavy Penalty on Freeway – Many Don't Know

Recently, a light truck driver traveling on Freeway No. 3 was photographed by highway police for holding a mobile phone "against the steering wheel to check the time" and was fined NT$3,000. The driver filed an administrative lawsuit, arguing that he only glanced at the time and did not make a call or use any app, requesting the fine be revoked. After court proceedings, the judge ruled that operating a mobile phone by hand while driving, regardless of how long it takes, distracts attention, dismissed the lawsuit, and upheld the original NT$3,000 penalty.

Car driver holding phone while steering fined NT$3,000! Penalty standard revealed

According to the judgment system, holding a mobile phone while driving constitutes a violation. Recently, a light truck driver on Freeway No. 3 at the Wufeng exit ramp was photographed by highway police using a camera device showing "holding a mobile phone against the steering wheel." The driver claimed he was only holding the steering wheel and checking the time, without making or receiving calls or running apps, and questioned whether operating the air conditioner would also be considered a violation.

The judge pointed out that the enforcement photo provided by the police clearly showed the driver holding a mobile phone "against the steering wheel."

According to the legal definition, "checking the time on a mobile phone" itself constitutes part of executing a mobile application. Operating a device by hand while driving, regardless of duration, causes distraction and reduces control ability.

The judge found that the driver's act of looking at his mobile phone while driving on the freeway clearly caused distraction. Therefore, the plaintiff's argument that his behavior did not impair driving safety was not accepted. The lawsuit to revoke the fine was dismissed, and the original NT$3,000 penalty was upheld.

Is it a violation to send or read text messages with a mobile phone while driving or waiting at a red light, without making a call?

The National Police Agency, based on Article 31-1, Paragraph 1 of the Road Traffic Management Penalty Act and related implementation regulations, explains the restrictions on drivers operating mobile phones: "It is prohibited to use a mobile phone, computer, or other similar functional device by hand to make or receive calls, communicate data, or engage in other behaviors that hinder driving safety."

1. Waiting at a red light is a temporary stop; when the light turns green, the vehicle must proceed, so it is still considered "driving on the road." 2. Unless the vehicle is in a "parked or temporarily stopped, stable and stationary" state, it is prohibited to use a handheld device to make or receive calls, communicate data, send or read text messages, check the time, or execute any application.

Q1: If I just glance at my phone to check the time while driving, without calling or texting, will I be fined? Yes. The court ruling states that "checking the time on a mobile phone" itself constitutes part of executing a mobile application. Operating a mobile phone by hand while driving, regardless of duration, causes distraction. According to Article 31-1, Paragraph 1 of the Road Traffic Management Penalty Act, a fine of NT$3,000 may be imposed.

Q2: Is it a violation to take out a mobile phone to read or reply to messages while waiting at a red light on a motorcycle or car? Yes, it is a violation. The National Police Agency explains that waiting at a red light is a temporary stop; when the light turns green, the vehicle must proceed, so it is still considered "driving on the road." Holding a mobile phone to make calls, read or send messages while waiting at a red light will result in a fine of NT$3,000.

In addition, motorcycle drivers who use a mobile phone, computer, or other similar functional device by hand while on the road to make or receive calls, communicate data, or engage in other behaviors that hinder driving safety will be fined NT$1,200.

Q3: Under what conditions can a car driver use a mobile phone? According to regulations, a driver must be in a "parked or temporarily stopped, stable and stationary" state to avoid violating the rules when operating a mobile phone, computer, or similar device by hand.

Q4: What is the fine amount for a car driver using a mobile phone by hand while driving? According to Article 31-1, Paragraph 1 of the Road Traffic Management Penalty Act, a car driver who uses a mobile phone by hand while driving to make or receive calls, communicate data, or engage in other behaviors that hinder driving safety will be fined NT$3,000.

Sources: National Police Agency, Judgment System