Premier Su Tseng-chang (
"I hereby urge my fellow ministries to increase their promotion of related new laws or regulations that concern the public and become effective on July 1 -- especially the amendment to the Criminal Code," Su said during the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday morning.
Among the new laws and regulations is an amendment to the Criminal Code. It was the focus of yesterday's meeting because the changes, which increase penalties for certain felonies, are the first since the Criminal Code came into effect in 1935.
After the amendment becomes effective on Saturday, those convicted of murder, banditry and kidnapping will not be eligible for parole. In addition, the longest sentence will be increased from 20 years to 30 years, and penalties for repeat offenders will also be strengthened.
"While implementing the new amendment to the Criminal Code, the Ministry of Justice will also increase its promotion of the changes to the law because we do not want to make people feel that the stricter enforcement of the law has come about all of a sudden," Su said.
Su also mentioned other changes that take effect on Saturday, including higher electricity prices and a free trade agreement with Guatemala.
"The new electricity prices will not impact regular users such as families or shops. The increase must be made because we want to promote the idea of saving as much energy as possible. The government will figure out other ways to resolve this issue at the same time," Su said.
Amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Punishment Law (道路交通管理處罰條例) will also become effective on Saturday.
Some of the major changes relate to speeding and drunk driving.
Under the new rules, motorists exceeding the speed limit by 60kph or more can now be fined between NT$6,000 (US$187.5) and NT$24,000, and have their licenses suspended for up to three months. Truck drivers who are found driving while intoxicated will face penalties of from NT$15,000 to NT$60,000 and the revocation of their licenses.
Slow drivers who use fast lanes and block traffic can be fined between NT$6,000 to NT$12,000.
Overall, 108 articles in the law have been amended, but only 24 of the changes are directly related to motorists.
Regarding the trade pact Su said: "Taiwanese businesspeople will be able to take advantage of the chance to expand their business in the Americas, while Guatemalan businesspeople will be able to expand their business to Asia. This is a win-win situation."
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