(FWA 2026/10/29)Living in Taiwan makes commuting by car, scooter, or e-bike very convenient. However, if you get into a traffic accident, unfamiliarity with local legal procedures can cause unnecessary stress.
Based on the latest official information from “My E-Government,” this guide provides a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how to handle traffic accidents and protect your legal rights.
I. Legal Definition of a “Traffic Accident” in Taiwan
In Taiwan, a traffic accident is defined as any incident involving a vehicle on a statutory “road” (highways, streets, alleys, etc.) that results in injury, death, or property damage. The police classify accidents into three categories based on severity:
Class A1: Results in death on the spot or within 24 hours.
Class A2: Results in injury, or death after 24 hours.
Class A3: Property damage only; no one is injured (the most common type of minor collision).
💡 Two Common Misconceptions to Note:
Private property does not count as a statutory “road”: If an accident occurs in a department store basement or a hypermarket (like Carrefour or Costco) parking lot, it is considered private property. General traffic accident regulations do not apply, though you can still call the police to record the incident.
“No-contact” incidents still count as accidents: If your driving behavior causes an accident (for example, you change lanes suddenly, causing a scooter behind you to brake hard and fall), it is a traffic accident even if the two vehicles never touched! Driving away from this scene will result in severe “hit-and-run” criminal charges.
II. The 5 Crucial Steps Before the Police Arrive
If you get into an accident, stay calm and follow these 5 steps (Place, Call, Mark/Snap, Move, Wait) to protect yourself and prevent secondary accidents:
1. Place (Place Warning Signs)
Immediately turn on your hazard lights. Place the red reflective warning triangle behind your vehicle to alert oncoming traffic.
City roads (Speed limit under 50 km/h): 30 meters behind the vehicle.
City roads (Speed limit 50~60 km/h): 50 meters behind the vehicle.
Expressways (Speed limit over 60 km/h): 80 meters behind the vehicle.
Freeways/Highways: 100 meters behind the vehicle.
2. Call (Report the Accident)
If someone is injured: Call 119 for an ambulance first (do not drive the injured person to the hospital yourself), then call 110 to report to the police.
If no one is injured: Call 110 directly, then contact your insurance company.
⚠️ Why you MUST call the police: Never agree to a private, verbal settlement and just drive away. If there is no written settlement agreement and the other party reports to the police later, you will be accused of a “hit-and-run.” Furthermore, insurance companies will not process claims without an official police record.
3. Mark & Snap (Document the Scene)
Take out your phone and take photos before any vehicles are moved.
Wide shots: Step back and capture the road markings (white/yellow lines), the relative positions of both vehicles, and nearby traffic lights or signs.
Close-ups: Photograph the points of impact and any parts dropped on the ground.
Mark positions: If you have chalk or lipstick, mark the positions of the 4 car tires on the ground (for scooters, mark the 2 tires and the handlebars).
4. Move (Should You Move the Vehicle?)
This step is critical, as Taiwan’s traffic fines are strictly enforced:
No injuries (Class A3): After taking photos, you MUST move your vehicle to the side of the road immediately! If your vehicle is drivable but you leave it blocking the road, the police will fine you between NT$1,000 and NT$3,000.
Injuries involved (Class A1, A2): DO NOT move the vehicle! Altering the scene of an injury accident will result in a heavy fine of NT$3,000 to NT$9,000. You may only move the vehicles if both parties explicitly agree and the tire positions have already been marked on the ground.
5. Wait (Wait for the Police in a Safe Area)
Move to the sidewalk or a safe area to wait for the police. You can use this time to ask bystanders if they are willing to leave their phone numbers as witnesses, or check if there are security cameras nearby.
III. Police Arrival and Language Support
If you are not fluent in Mandarin, the following language assistance is available during the reporting process:
1. Interpretation Services
When local police officers encounter expats, they will contact Foreign Affairs Police officers to find a suitable interpreter to assist with the reporting and statement process. If an accident happens late at night or a specific interpreter is unavailable, the on-duty officer will call the Ministry of Labor’s 1955 hotline or the National Immigration Agency’s 1990 hotline. Both hotlines provide 24-hour bilingual services and can establish a three-way call for real-time interpretation.
2. Mandatory Breathalyzer Tests
Taiwan has a “zero-tolerance” policy for drunk driving. Police will usually require a breathalyzer test upon arrival. Please cooperate.
Motorcycle DUI Fines: NT$15,000 to NT$90,000.
Car DUI Fines: NT$30,000 to NT$120,000.
Passenger Liability: If the driver is driving under the influence, all passengers aged 18 and over in the same vehicle will also be fined between NT$6,000 and NT$15,000.
3. Review the Diagram and Statement Before Signing
The police will draw a “Traffic Accident Scene Diagram” and take a written statement. Do not sign until you (or your interpreter) have carefully verified the contents. Ensure it matches your exact recollection of the event. If there are errors, ask the officer to correct them immediately.
4. Obtain the “Registration Form”
When the process is complete, the police will give you a “Road Traffic Accident Party Registration Form” (道路交通事故當事人登記聯單). This slip contains the other party’s details and the handling officer’s contact info. It is absolutely crucial for filing insurance claims, so keep it safe.
IV. The Golden Timeline for Follow-Ups
Taiwanese administrative and legal procedures have strict deadlines. Missing them means forfeiting your rights:
Within 5 Days: Submit your claim to your insurance company. Bring the Registration Form, your Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), driver’s license, and vehicle registration.
After 7 Days: You can apply to the police for copies of the “Scene Diagram” and “Scene Photos”.
After 30 Days: You can apply for the “Preliminary Analysis Report” (初判表). This document details the police’s initial assessment of who is at fault and which traffic rules were violated.
Within 6 Months (Appeals and Criminal Charges):
If you disagree with the Preliminary Analysis Report, you can pay NT$3,000 to apply for a formal appraisal from the “Vehicle Accident Appraisal Committee.”
If you were injured and cannot reach a settlement, you must file criminal charges for “negligent injury” at the police station or prosecutors office within 6 months.
Within 2 Years (Civil Claims): Requests for financial compensation (repair costs, medical bills) must be filed within 2 years. If private negotiations fail, you can apply for free mediation at the local District Office’s Mediation Committee.
V. Compulsory Liability Insurance & E-Bikes
In Taiwan, the most basic safety net for traffic accident victims is “Compulsory Auto Liability Insurance.”
Are Expats required to have Compulsory Insurance?Yes, absolutely. Insurance coverage does not discriminate by nationality. As long as you legally own a vehicle in Taiwan, you must have compulsory insurance according to the law.
Which vehicles require this insurance? This applies to standard cars, scooters/motorcycles, and—importantly—Mini Electric Two-Wheelers (E-bikes). It is now mandatory by law for all e-bikes to have a registered license plate and active compulsory insurance. Riding without it will result in fines and leave you facing massive financial liability in the event of an accident.
