By RK Shih/Staff. Images via China Times/SET/TVBS/Wiki Commons.
KAOHSIUNG — Kaohsiung is among several local governments in Taiwan that have begun removing mandatory two-stage left turns for motorcycles at some intersections. The changes usually occur after roads are resurfaced or lane markings are redrawn.
Under Taiwan’s traffic rules, motorcycles generally do not need to make a two-stage left turn on two-lane roads unless a specific restriction is in place. Where roads have three or more fast lanes in one direction, or where the inner lane is marked as off-limits to motorcycles, riders are generally required to turn left in two stages — what some call the “hook turn” or in colloquial Chinese: 待轉 (dài zhuǎn).
The nation’s Transportation Ministry notes that local governments may review individual intersections and allow direct left turns where road design, signal timing, and traffic conditions are considered suitable.
Kaohsiung’s Transportation Bureau said newly built two-lane roads in the city are set up under those existing rules and do not require mandatory waiting turns. On older roads, officials said intersections are reviewed first and adjusted only if conditions are considered safe.
In some cases, the waiting box is left in place as an option, while some intersections are being modified with added left-turn areas for scooters and motorcycles, letting them queue with cars to turn left.
A recent resurfacing project on Guanghua 1st Road (光華一路) between Sanduo 2nd Road (三多二路) and Wufu 1st Road (五福一路) was announced by the Kaohsiung City Government in March.
The broader debate over two-stage left turns has remained contentious for years, with supporters saying the rule reduces conflicts between motorcycles and cars. Critics, however, argue that some waiting areas are poorly designed or create their own hazards.
Taipei has previously said it reviews intersections individually, opening some to direct left turns where traffic patterns and safety conditions permit.
