Taichung, July 6, 2025 — In response to growing complaints about late-night vehicle noise disrupting residents’ sleep, the Taichung City Police Department has intensified its efforts to curb illegal vehicle modifications and reckless driving behavior. Between January and June of this year, authorities inspected 437 vehicles suspected of illegal modifications, issuing on-the-spot fines to 123 of them, totaling NT$408,000 in penalties.
Joint Enforcement Targets Noise and Traffic Safety
According to a press release from the police department, excessive vehicle noise not only affects quality of life but also poses a danger to traffic safety. To address this, the city has established a collaborative enforcement mechanism involving the Taichung Environmental Protection Bureau, the Taichung District Inspection Office of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and local law enforcement. The joint operations targeted roads and time periods with a high incidence of modified, noisy vehicles, particularly during nighttime hours.
63 Joint Inspections Conducted
From January to June, a total of 63 joint inspections were conducted. Of the 437 vehicles stopped, 123 were fined by the Environmental Protection Bureau on-site. These inspections focused largely on motorcycles and cars believed to have modified exhaust systems designed to produce loud sounds.
The Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act states that unregistered modifications to a vehicle’s exhaust system can result in fines ranging from NT$900 to NT$1,800. In the first half of 2025, police cracked down on 361 cases of illegally modified motorcycle exhausts, aiming to stop noise pollution at its source.
Additional Penalties for Noise Violations
The Noise Control Act allows for penalties of NT$1,800 to NT$3,600 for vehicles that fail to meet noise level standards. Offenders are typically required to make improvements within a designated time frame. Failure to comply can result in further fines. The Taichung police have forwarded 43,385 cases of noisy vehicles to the Environmental Protection Bureau for review.
Authorities Urge Compliance
The Taichung City Police emphasized their commitment to maintaining public order and urged vehicle owners to avoid illegal modifications. “Do not take chances,” the department warned, reminding the public that authorities are actively collecting evidence and enforcing laws to ensure a quieter and safer environment for all residents.
Residents affected by vehicle noise are encouraged to report incidents and help support city-wide efforts to combat this persistent issue.
