Taichung, Taiwan – July 17, 2025 — A 43-year-old man from Shalu District, surnamed Cai, is facing legal action after allegedly violating Taiwan’s Civil Defense Act during an air defense drill held Wednesday afternoon across the central region.
The “2025 Urban Resilience Air Defense Exercise” was conducted from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. as part of a nationwide preparedness campaign. When the air raid sirens sounded at 1:30 p.m., police officers and local authorities implemented traffic controls, halting vehicle movement and directing pedestrians to nearby shelters.
According to the Qingshui Branch of the Taichung City Police Department, Mr. Cai had just finished purchasing lunch and was refueling his motorcycle at a gas station on Guanghua Road. Unable to wait out the exercise, he rode off at around 1:47 p.m., heading toward a nearby Carrefour store.
Police patrols intercepted him two minutes later at the intersection of Sanmin Road and Guanghua Road. He was escorted back for questioning and is now being referred to the authorities for allegedly breaching the Civil Defense Act.
Under Article 25 of the Civil Defense Act, individuals who refuse to comply with evacuation or sheltering directives during civil defense drills may face fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$150,000.
Authorities reminded the public that participation and compliance during civil defense exercises are crucial for public safety and emergency preparedness.
