Drivers of vehicles that are idle for more than three minutes are now required to turn off their engine or face a fine of more than NT$1,500, according to new regulations that came into force yesterday.
The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), which is in charge of enforcing the new rules, held a promotional event near Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei to inform drivers about the new regulations that aim to improve air quality.
An amendment to the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) was passed by the legislature in April last year and the new regulations were announced two weeks ago by the EPA.
Under the new regulations, vehicles idling in parking lots, on roads (not including freeways, highways and expressways) or in other areas should have their engines turned off if they stay in the same spot for more than three minutes.
The EPA said turning off the engine not only benefits people’s health, it also saves fuel.
Exceptional cases that do not have to comply with the regulations are vehicles such as ambulances and refrigerator cars, the EPA said, adding that buses transporting children and tourists can have their engines turned on 15 minutes before the passengers board.
Although the new regulations were introduced yesterday, Air Quality Protection and Noise Control Bureau Director-General Hsieh Yen-rui (謝燕儒) said there would be a three-month grace period in which the authorities would only make inspections and persuade violators to conform.
Starting on June 1, violators on motorcycles will be fined NT$1,500, those in small vehicles will be fined NT$3,000, while drivers of large vehicles will be fined NT$5,000.
Additional fines can be added if violators do not improve their behavior.
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