Not Running a Red Light! Taiwan's Top Violation Reported is 'Failure to Use Turn Signals Properly'

The number of traffic violations reported by citizens across Taiwan continues to surge, with public reports becoming a significant source for traffic enforcement. Among the various types of violations, the most frequently reported isn't running a red light, but rather the 'failure to use turn signals properly,' which drivers often overlook, consistently topping the list of reported violations for years. According to Article 42 of the "Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act," failure to use lights as required can result in a fine of NT$1,200 to NT$3,600. Many drivers forget to signal when turning or changing lanes, get caught on camera by vehicles behind them, and end up receiving multiple tickets even on short trips. The annual number of such reported cases nationwide is staggering, ranking highest among all types of violations. The act of reporting violations, initially aimed at maintaining road safety, has gradually become a systematic and frequent phenomenon, prompting relevant authorities to consider a mechanism for regulating the number of reports. This item becoming a hot spot for reports is related to the ambiguity of the standard for judgment. Current regulations require the turn signal to be used for the 'entire duration' when changing lanes, but the definition of 'entire duration' is unclear. A driver failing to signal multiple times within a short period might face frequent reports and receive multiple tickets at once. Some cases, after administrative relief, were found to violate the principle of proportionality and were revoked, indicating that there is indeed room for review in the rules for judgment and continuous ticketing. Police departments across Taiwan all state that reported cases must be reviewed, and tickets are only issued when the violation is clearly confirmed. For drivers, developing good habits and always signaling in advance when turning or changing lanes is the fundamental way to avoid emptying their wallets. Although the regulations are a mess, for safety and to avoid tickets, it's best to signal properly and fully....