Taipei, Taiwan – July 17, 2025 — The Northern 2025 Urban Resilience Exercise, which combined this year’s Wan’an and Min’an air defense drills, was conducted from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. today across northern Taiwan. While most citizens complied with the civil defense protocols, a surprising incident on Taipei’s Civic Boulevard Viaduct caught widespread attention online.
Two women driving a white Mercedes-Benz were seen stopping their car in the middle of the elevated road during the exercise. Rather than seeking shelter, the pair got out, struck poses with peace signs, and snapped cheerful photos—seemingly unaware or indifferent to the seriousness of the drill. The scene was captured by netizens and quickly went viral on social media, racking up over 50,000 likes in just four hours. Many users reacted with disbelief and sarcasm, posting comments such as “Fine them 150,000 each” and “300,000 for two geniuses.”
The Taipei City Police Datong Branch confirmed they received a report around 1:00 p.m. regarding a vehicle parked on the viaduct during the exercise. Authorities have identified the car and will summon the driver to explain the situation. Based on initial findings, the case will be submitted to the Civil Defense Control Center.
According to the Civil Defense Act, those who fail to comply with air defense exercise protocols face penalties ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$150,000. Additionally, police stated that the act of stopping on an elevated highway without an emergency violates road traffic regulations. Under the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, such a violation is punishable with an additional fine of NT$6,000 to NT$36,000.
The Taipei Police emphasized that civil defense drills are a critical part of public safety and urged citizens to take them seriously to avoid endangering themselves and others.
