By KHT Staff. AI illustration image.
KAOHSIUNG — A 61-year-old man was fined NT$1,200 after police said he was smoking while riding a scooter and later had to be restrained when he became agitated during the stop.
Police said the incident happened shortly after 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the intersection of Zihyou 3rd Road (自由三路) and Mencius Road (孟子路) in Zuoying District (左營區). Officers from Wunzih Police Station (文自派出所) said they saw the man, surnamed Huang (黃), riding with his wife on the back while smoking.
According to police, officers first asked Huang to pull over, but he objected, saying, “How am I supposed to get over there?” After officers again told him to put out the cigarette, he continued arguing, saying, “Where am I supposed to put it out? You tell me.” Police then cleared the space ahead and guided him onto the sidewalk.
Police said Huang remained uncooperative and became emotional while his wife tried to calm him down. Officers said he then attempted to move from the sidewalk into the traffic lane, at which point they restrained him on the ground for his safety. He was released after calming down.
Some online asked why the man wasn’t arrested for interfering with police work or even assaulting a police officer. Critics said the city is sometimes too lenient, which can lead some to think older people get special treatment or that perhaps the police don’t want to file paperwork involved in an arrest.
Under Taiwan’s Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, drivers can be fined for holding, lighting, or smoking a cigarette while on the road if the behavior affects traffic safety. The rule has been in effect since at least July 1, 2019, and the fine was subsequently increased from NT$600 to NT$1,200 following a legislative amendment in late 2025.
While the practice remains common in parts of Taiwan, it has long been a source of irritation for other riders and drivers, especially those forced to breathe secondhand smoke at stoplights or in slow-moving traffic. Police said Huang was issued the NT$1,200 citation under the current rule.
