Foreigners’ Taiwanese driver’s licenses will soon remain valid for six years, the same period as Taiwanese, thanks to an amendment to the Road Traffic Security Rules (道路交通安全規則) passed recently, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) said yesterday.
Department of Highways and Railways Director-General Chen Yen-po (陳彥伯) said the ministry had decided to review the rules as it has been receiving requests for a change from the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei and other similar organizations. At present, the expiration date listed on a foreigner’s driver’s license is the same as that stated on their Alien Resident Certificate.
Many consider the regulation a hassle because they have to reapply when they return to Taiwan after spending a few months in their home countries.
Chen said the amendment would help create a more attractive environment for talented professionals from abroad to work in Taiwan.
The measure will apply to people who have passed their driver’s test in Taiwan, as well as those who replace their international driver’s license with one from Taiwan.
To apply for a Taiwanese driver’s license, one must be legally able to stay for at least a year, he said.
The new policy will take effect when the MOTC and the Ministry of the Interior jointly make the announcement, Chen said, adding that the specific date would be announced soon.
Chen said foreigners holding a valid driver’s license can also have their license extended and it would then be valid for six years from the date of issuance. Foreigners holding an international driver’s license are allowed to drive in Taiwan for one year, he said.
Statistics from the MOTC show that about 20,000 foreigners per year acquire a local driver’s license.
Meanwhile, another amendment to the Road Traffic Safety Rules requires that drivers turn off multimedia entertainment devices within their sight before they start driving. They will be banned from operating or watching the devices when they are driving. While the amendment allows drivers to turn on their GPS, they may not adjust the system during the trip. Chen said the regulation did not apply to devices viewed by backseat passengers. The amendment was proposed to enhance road safety, as drivers can be distracted by the devices and could fail to react quickly enough when they need to.
People who feel the need to have entertainment devices installed in their vehicle must ensure the device is switched off automatically whenever the handbrake is used and the transmission is in the driving or reverse position.
This function is to be checked by officials at motor vehicle offices during annual inspections starting in 2013, Chen said.
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