Changhua, Taiwan — The Changhua County Police Department has recorded 369 violations involving motorists using mobile phones while driving in the first half of 2025, warning the public that using phones at red lights is still considered a traffic offense.
Between January and June, drivers of cars and motorcycles were penalized for using handheld devices on the road. Car drivers were fined NT$3,000, while motorcyclists received NT$1,000 fines. Of the total cases, 73 were reported by the public — though it’s worth noting that citizen reporting for motorcycles is not currently allowed.
Police emphasized that using a mobile phone at a red light still qualifies as “driving” under traffic law. This interpretation aligns with a 2018 Taichung District Court ruling, which clarified that “driving on the road” includes situations when a vehicle is temporarily halted due to traffic lights, signs, or police signals.
According to the ruling, a vehicle waiting at a red light remains in a state of motion, as drivers are expected to move promptly once the light turns green. Using a phone during this pause can impair attention and increase the risk of traffic accidents — and is therefore subject to penalties under Taiwan’s Road Traffic Management Penalty Regulations.
Authorities advise motorists who need to use their mobile phones to pull over and park in a safe location before doing so, rather than checking their devices while idling in traffic.
However, hands-free devices such as phone holders and Bluetooth headsets are allowed — as long as the phone is not held in the driver’s hand while operating the vehicle.
The police also highlighted another common yet overlooked offense: smoking while driving. Though not widely reported by the public, 176 cases were cited in Changhua in the past six months. Under Article 31-1, Paragraph 3 of the same traffic regulation, drivers who smoke and endanger road safety may be fined NT$600.
Taiwan’s efforts follow similar moves in other countries like Japan, where since November last year, riding a bicycle while using a mobile phone is prohibited — with offenders facing penalties equivalent to around NT$2,448.
