Taiwan's Rural Roads Stop at Just 70 km/h in 2026 Guide
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4 min readTaiwan drives on the right side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18. The motorway speed limit is 110 km/h. The general emergency number is 112. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03% BAC. Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national licence.
Driving in Taiwan means right-hand traffic with rules that differ from home. The blood alcohol limit is stricter than most European countries. Full guide with penalty calculator below.
Using a mobile phone behind the wheel in Taiwan costs a stiff roadside fine — often more than a speeding fine. The rule covers handling the device even at traffic lights, which surprises many visitors.
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Seventy kilometres per hour is the rural-road cap in Taiwan, a lower ceiling than found in many other places, while motorways rise to 110 km/h and urban roads stay at 50 km/h. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.03%, tighter than the standard used across continental Europe. A driver must be at least 18 to hold a licence there.
Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 70 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.03% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.
Emergency Numbers in Taiwan
General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112
Save these numbers before you start driving. In Taiwan, emergency calls are free from any phone.
Speed Limits in Taiwan
The default speed limits for passenger cars in Taiwan are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 70 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways.
Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 60 km/h rural, and 90 km/h on motorways.
For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: North Korea (80 km/h).
Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.
Speeding Fines and Penalties
Speeding fines in Taiwan vary based on how much you exceed the posted limit. Fines increase sharply for higher violations and may include licence points or driving bans for serious offences.
Traffic Rules and Regulations
Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.
Using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited. Hands-free systems are permitted.
Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.
At unmarked intersections, traffic from the right generally has priority unless signs indicate otherwise.
Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits
The legal blood alcohol limit in Taiwan is 0.03% BAC. This is higher than North Korea (0.00% (zero tolerance) BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.
The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.
Tyre Requirements and Regulations
Winter tyres are not required in Taiwan. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.
Studded tyres: restricted.
For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Taiwan guide.
Mandatory Vehicle Equipment
Vehicles in Taiwan must carry the following:
Required:
- Warning triangle
Recommended:
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.
Driving License Requirements
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers in Taiwan. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 1 months.
The minimum driving age is 18 years.
IDP required (1949 Geneva Convention). Valid for 30 days, renewable.
Parking and Fuel
Parking in major cities can be limited and expensive. Shopping centres and commercial areas usually have dedicated car parks. Read signs carefully to avoid towing.
Current fuel prices in Taiwan: petrol approximately $0.92/litre, diesel $0.82/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.
Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.
Seasonal Driving Conditions
Taiwan has seasonal climate with monsoons. Check weather forecasts before long journeys and adjust your driving to conditions. Road surfaces and visibility can change quickly with weather.
Useful Driving Phrases in Chinese
Knowing a few phrases in Chinese helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| Where is the nearest petrol station? | 最近的加油站在哪里？ |
| I need help | 我需要帮助 |
| I had an accident | 我发生了事故 |
| Speed limit | 限速 |
Download the Chinese language pack in your translation app for offline use.
Practical Driving Tips for Taiwan
- Download offline maps of Taiwan before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
- Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
- Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.
Speed Limits in Taiwan
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Rural | 70 km/h | 60 km/h |
| Motorway | 110 km/h | 90 km/h |
Useful Driving Phrases in Chinese
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| Where is the nearest petrol station? | 最近的加油站在哪里？ |
| I need help | 我需要帮助 |
| I had an accident | 我发生了事故 |
| Speed limit | 限速 |
Mandatory Equipment in Taiwan
Licence Requirements for Foreign Drivers
IDP required (1949 Geneva Convention). Valid for 30 days, renewable.
Emergency Numbers in Taiwan
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Tyre Laws in Taiwan
Winter tyre requirements, tread depth rules, and studded tyre regulations.
View tyre regulationsAvoid a fine in Taiwan
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in Taiwan on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
Renting a Car in Taiwan?
Compare prices from all major rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In Taiwan, the default speed limits for passenger vehicles are: urban areas 50 km/h (31 mph), rural roads 70 km/h (43 mph), and motorways 110 km/h (68 mph). Always follow posted signs as limits may differ on specific roads.
In Taiwan, traffic drives on the right side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side. If you are visiting from a country that drives on the left, take extra care at intersections, roundabouts, and when overtaking.
Foreign visitors to Taiwan should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their valid national driving license. An IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is recognized internationally. Check with the embassy of Taiwan for the most current requirements.
Winter tyres in Taiwan are: Not Required. Regardless of legal requirements, winter tyres or all-season tyres with the appropriate markings (M+S or 3PMSF) are strongly recommended when temperatures drop below 7°C for improved safety and grip.
The general emergency number in Taiwan is 112. These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, be prepared to state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited in Taiwan. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, speakerphone, or mounted devices) are permitted. Penalties for mobile phone use while driving typically include fines. For safety, always use hands-free solutions or pull over to use your phone.
When driving in Taiwan, you should always carry: your valid driving license (and IDP if applicable), vehicle registration document, valid insurance certificate (Green Card for European countries), and your passport or national ID. Rental car drivers should also carry the rental agreement. Police may request these documents during routine checks.
The minimum age to drive a car in Taiwan is 18 years old. Some categories of vehicles (such as motorcycles or heavy vehicles) may have different age requirements. Novice drivers may face additional restrictions during their first years of driving.
Driving in Taiwan is generally safe for tourists who are prepared. Road infrastructure follows Asian standards. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, road signs, and driving customs. Consider downloading offline maps, carrying emergency supplies, and purchasing comprehensive insurance. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas if possible.
For Taiwan: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for non-EU licence holders. Your licence is valid for up to 1 months. Always carry your original licence alongside the IDP.
Get Driving Law Updates
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