Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai’s recent comments urging pedestrians to walk faster and avoid using mobile phones while crossing the street have stirred debate, with road safety groups questioning both the message and its legal basis.
During a TV program, Chen warned that pedestrians should focus when crossing and avoid distractions. “Pedestrians should look left and right, pay attention, and move quickly. Frankly speaking, walking slowly is not okay. And it is wrong to look at your phone while crossing the road—you will be caught,” Chen said.
His remarks quickly triggered backlash. The Kaohsiung City Pedestrian Right of Way Promotion Association argued that while attentiveness is important, telling pedestrians to hurry may backfire by reducing the time available to check traffic conditions. The group emphasized that globally, pedestrians are recognized as having priority, and no other country requires them to speed through crosswalks.
The Ministry of Transportation responded to public concerns by clarifying that the law does not specifically prohibit phone use while crossing. However, pedestrians who obstruct traffic—by standing, squatting, or otherwise causing delays—may be fined NT$500 under the Road Traffic Management Penalty Regulations. Officials added that cases will be judged individually, and phone distraction could be considered obstruction if it disrupts traffic flow.
According to ministry statistics, pedestrian violations have been on the rise. From January to March 2025, authorities recorded 26,497 violations, up 51% from 17,534 in the same period last year. Cases of vehicles failing to yield also climbed, reaching 30,232 in the same period—about a 15% increase compared with 2024. Historical data also shows 85,239 pedestrian violations in 2014, a 20% rise from the previous year, while vehicle violations for failing to yield dropped by 22% during the same period.
The Ministry stressed that ensuring road safety requires cooperation between drivers and pedestrians, and that both sides should prioritize safety and mutual respect when sharing the road.
