Taiwan Speed Limit 2026: 110 Motorway, Just 70 Rural

Taiwan’s motorway limit is 110 km/h, but rural roads stop at just 70 km/h and built-up areas at 50 km/h; trucks over 3.5 tonnes get 90 / 60 / 50 on the same roads. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.03%, tighter than the continental European standard, and a driver must be at least 18 to hold a licence.

Your case: The 70 km/h rural figure is a national default, not the number on the sign ahead of you — look up the specific road you plan to drive on the speed limit map.

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: 119 | Police: 110 | Ambulance: 119 | Fire: 119

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.

We do not hold a verified, dated fuel price for Taiwan, so check a local price app or the board at the station before you budget.

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 Mandarin

Taiwan writes Mandarin in traditional characters, and knowing a few phrases helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:

Download the Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan) 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.