That’s an irrational rationale. Rarely are the scooters following the limit. Should be the lanes are divided by the speed the driver can and will go, not the vehicle type
Also, the drivers are terrible (on average). People don’t pay attention or look, that’s more of an issue. If anything, letting scooters who are going straight use the far left lane would cause fewer visibility issues
The problems are that the average driver is terrible and doesnt want to share the space responsibly
A friend sent me a video he saw of it on Instagram. Looks absolutely atrocious.
They are the same folks that put a two stage turn box on a sidewalk in Taichung.
I would just like to be able to make a normal left turn. Would make navigation significantly easier not having to worry about a two-stage turn sign suddenly coming up.
Also getting rid of the motorcycle ban on traffic lanes would be great. As is on many roads the only “legal” way for your typical motorcycle to overtake is from the right via the slow lane…rather than the empty inner lane.
Also not having to go all these super complicated and dangerous small side roads because the MOTC is scared shitless of a scooter driving onto the expressway/highway. Having to go around in a huge circle and spend 5-10 times longer rather than just driving straight for a minute is maddening.
Even for heavy motorcycles, which already passed the 3rd reading to legalize freeway access over a decade ago but the govt. refuse to allow them on still, can’t even access the prov. hwy. to go through the Baguashan tunnel on expressway 76 because the govt. is scared of motorcycles accidentally turning onto national highway number 3.
A big problem area is 王田 in Taichung going to Changhua or going to Dadu district. If I remember correctly there was a period of a couple months where scooters racked up almost 40 accidents.
Maybe the best way to say it is Taiwan does vehicle class separation. So in the case of the typical white plate motorcycle/scooter that most people have those often ended up getting lumped in with bicycles and other “slow” vehicles.
This is despite the fact that typically most city roads are only going to have a max speed limit of 50 which most people can easily reach on their motorcycle/scooter.
White plates are typically (in my experience) allowed to run on most traffic lanes on prov. highways (not counting expressways) with maybe the inner lane banning motorcycles and having two-stage turns. So that means you are allowed to go 60-70 no problem but then some section when going through the city you are forced off the main inner section of road to the outer section and are forced to ride a slow 40 and then later merge back into the traffic that has a faster speed limit which is dangerous.
Actually some civic group had recently met with the MOTC to discuss the banning of motorcycles from inner lanes and MANDATORY two-stage turns. Local govt. representatives seem to be somewhat supportive of getting rid of these measures as road planning becomes more complicated with banning motorcycles from lanes and two-stage turns and having to come up with some solutions for motorcycles to go around or what have you. MOTC didn’t say much other than they would discuss it.
Fortunately Changhua has pretty much, for the most part, gotten rid of two-stage turns except for the bigger intersections and bans on inner lanes for motorcycles and Tainan somewhat as well.
Funnily enough at quite a few intersections I can make a direct left turn across multiple lanes just fine, but it’s “dangerous” for me to make a direct left turn at a larger intersection that has a PROTECTED turn phase at most intersections.
Then there’s also other stuff like the new South Link road made to make things safer for travelers, but not allowing white plate motorcycles because it’s dangerous, except for after a typhoon blocks the road then it’s okay for a short time. Sure wish I could’ve done that when I passed through last time when it was raining and I had to go through the old road.
With the new Suhua road/tunnel they are finally trialing access for white plates…at one tunnel but given a slower speed limit than car traffic.
You could always upgrade to yellow plate!
Yeah, and in a culture where people don’t indicate their right turns in advance , this is begging for accidents
Again, the yellow plate upgrade is helpful here
Ok, this is true. The good thing about Taiwan not being technologically advanced enough to handle livense plates on the rear of the vehicle is parking often becomes easier and speed cameras often face the wrong direction
I’ve noticed more and more in Kaohsiung just ignoring them
I have to have my standard license for at least a year first so I can’t quite get my Heavy/Unlimited motorcycle license yet. The positives are not enough yet for me unfortunately although I will still try to get the heavy motorcycle license eventually. For the most part I don’t have much need for expressways…yet and in Taichung not being able to use the motorcycle+slow lane or the motorcycle box at the intersection would make things take quite a while on a lot of roads when things get even a little busy.
Biggest downside is not being able to park in the motorcycle roadside parking spots or motorcycle parking. Also I would be worried about people moving the bike out of a car parking spot. I’m already worried as is of people moving my scooter out of a legally parked spot to push their piece of crap in instead so I always take a few pictures after I park. Even quite a few car parking lots don’t allow heavy motorcycles or only have cameras to scan the plate from the front.
Part of me is hoping Taichung will also significantly cut down on lane bans and mandatory two-stage turns, given that other cities/counties have done so. But…Taichung has so many roads with wonky designs it would be nice if a lot of things were changed here.
Oh they do…a millisecond before they turn or after they’ve already crossed over the traffic lane line and started changing lanes! It’s mind blowing how many people sit at a red light in their car and only turn on their turn signal after the light turns green…well actually same for scooters…err actually same for everyone. Lots of trucks do it to. Has definitely caused a quite a few injuries and deaths over the years.
I don’t know…that just sounds like normal Kaoshiung to me. On my last road trip when passing through Kaoshiung I found a lot of people on the road to be extra dumb and aggressive, even compared to Taichung. Which made me think how the hell is Taichung so much worse than Kaoshiung.
You can use it, I’m quite sure. Obviously the speed limit still applies, but unless there is clearly a sign that says big bikes not allowed, I believe you are allowed.
Kinda depends on how strictly the laws are enforced and how big the bike is, I guess. I definitely see yellow plates in Kaohsiung using white plate spaces (often backed in so is less obvious)
You can lock the steering column to prevent this
At places like Costco or Carrefour, in Kaohsiung, it is possible to just drive around the parking gate. This is literally how they solved the problem of front facing cameras. So, it is actually easier because you don’t have to scan a receipt
Yeah, there seems to be an understanding that the turn signal helps the vehicle turn. My personal favorite are the drivers who signal when the road turns. No intersection, just a curve. The concept of other people doesn’t culturally translate
Probably has something to do with never enjoying a decent meal
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/pedestrian-killed-upper-great-highway-identified-20011746.php
Had no idea SF had so many pedestrian deaths
Rip to her think it was early morning when it was still dark and ulloa has no crosswalk and light to get to the beach while the next streets north and south do. Plus you will have to get through two lanes to the traffic island in the middle and then another two lanes to get to the beach. And traffic moves very fast on those roads some driving as fast as 50mph between those lights
Although the trick is to keep speed at 30mph and then all the traffic lights are timed to turn green when you approach
Still people drive way faster and then brake
It’s not what you want to do trying to cross those streets at a no intersection light street
As a side note that road is now closed on weekends since Covid and it’s great to cycle there on weekends I voted NO against closing it Monday to Friday too as all that traffic will end up on sunset streets which may lead to more accidents as all those streets have crossings without lights and some have stop
Signs some don’t so one has to be very careful
Sunset blvd is packed already on week days so the city streets will have to take all these thousands of cars each hour
It’s the wrong move and most sunset residents know this and voted against closing the highway
Weekends closed was a great idea though but not everyday
Chatgpt…
Taiwan’s road safety issues can, in part, be traced back to historical decisions made during the mid-20th century, specifically the 1946 shift to driving on the right side of the road. Before 1946, Taiwan drove on the left, following Japanese road rules from its colonial period (1895–1945). The abrupt change, implemented without comprehensive infrastructure adaptation or public acclimation, has had long-lasting implications for road safety. Examining the impact of this switch and comparing it to the potential benefits of driving on the left reveals critical insights into Taiwan’s traffic challenges.
One significant impact of the 1946 transition was the mismatch between Taiwan’s infrastructure and road-use patterns. Japan had designed Taiwan’s roads, urban layouts, and transit systems for left-side driving. The post-war switch to the right introduced inefficiencies and inconsistencies. Roads, intersections, and traffic systems were not immediately redesigned to suit right-side traffic, creating confusion and inefficiencies that persist in some forms even today. The legacy of this disruption contributes to Taiwan’s relatively high traffic fatality rates, as road design and usage patterns remain less intuitive and harmonized compared to systems that evolved organically around consistent driving norms.
Further, driving on the left is often considered safer, particularly for densely populated or high-traffic regions, due to cognitive and physiological factors. Most people are right-eye dominant, and driving on the left allows the dominant eye to have a better view of oncoming traffic, potentially reducing accidents during overtaking or at intersections. Additionally, roundabouts and intersections are generally more efficient and safer when designed for left-side traffic, as studies have shown fewer conflict points compared to right-side systems. For Taiwan, a return to left-side driving could align better with these safety benefits, especially in its densely packed cities and mountainous regions.
Another critical consideration is vehicle compatibility. Taiwan’s shift to right-side driving forced it to import vehicles designed for right-hand traffic systems, primarily from the United States and Europe. However, if Taiwan drove on the left, it could import Japan’s kei cars—small, lightweight, and highly efficient vehicles designed for Japan’s dense urban environments. Kei cars are ideally suited for Taiwan’s population density and narrow roads, offering better maneuverability and fuel efficiency. Moreover, these vehicles often come equipped with advanced safety features and are manufactured to high standards due to Japan’s rigorous automotive industry regulations.
Kei cars could address Taiwan’s traffic challenges by reducing congestion, improving fuel efficiency, and enhancing overall safety. Their smaller size and agility make them well-suited for urban driving, where road widths and parking availability are often constrained. Adopting a left-side driving system would facilitate easier access to this class of vehicles, as Japan predominantly manufactures kei cars for left-side traffic systems. Currently, the dominance of larger vehicles designed for right-hand traffic exacerbates congestion and contributes to higher emissions, further compounding Taiwan’s urban transportation challenges.
In conclusion, Taiwan’s 1946 decision to switch to right-side driving disrupted its transportation system in ways that continue to impact road safety. A hypothetical return to left-side driving could align with safer traffic patterns, better suit the nation’s infrastructure, and open the door to importing Japanese kei cars. These vehicles, tailored for densely populated regions, would bring practical and environmental benefits, addressing some of the most pressing challenges in Taiwan’s transportation landscape. Revisiting historical decisions like this could offer transformative opportunities for improving road safety and urban mobility.
ChatGPT hallucinating again
Which bit?
I’d say the whole thing. bit of a red herring imo
For example, small cars. People aren’t buying small cars, they’re choosing large SUVs. Or, switching to driving on the left would cause the same problems because new infrastructure has been built, and wouldn’t reduce collisions because most head ob collisions result from bad driving habits.
So basically, yeah, this is an A-pillar excuse that ignores actual responsibility on the part of the people here now
Unfortunately not the case as heavy motorcycles are basically classed as “cars”…kind of.
Here’s an interesting video I saw on facebook. Truck changes lane not giving a care in the world about the scooter already in the lane. The guy on scooter honks in response and the truck driver stops in the middle of the road to get out and yell at the guy on scooter saying it’s a car lane! Well there’s no banning of motorcycles there. Quite a few comments blaming the scooter rider for not riding in the slow lane instead of riding in a regular traffic lane. People saying slow vehicles should be in slow lane only…on a dang road with a speed limit of 40. 
Also after looking around this same news company also shared this video last year. It seems some news companies are repeatedly reposting these kind of videos on Facebook to farm clicks and rage bait people. No additional information added, just reposting their own content.
If traffic is stopped or below the speed limit, you can use the scooter lane but not the front box, is my understanding
Unfortunately it’s not allowed. I don’t think many people care too much though, but not sure how strict the police would be about this.
From Taipei police website:
大型重型機車除起駛、準備轉彎、準備停車或臨時停車，不得行駛慢車道，違者，可依「道路交通管理處罰條例」第45條第1項第4款舉發，處駕駛人新臺幣600元以上1,800元以下罰鍰。
Heavy motorcycles are only allowed to enter the motorcycle/slow lane when parking (moving over to park), temporarily parking, entering the road, or turning. Driving in the motorcycle/slow lane is fineable, 600-1800NTD.
Huh, definitely see people doing it!
Whenever it seems as though some progress has been made,….we are reminded again of how far we still have to go.
Why does this seem to happen all the time here? I feel like this can’t be the only place, but might be the only place where you can watch it on tv while eating lunch.
The wife has overheard some “fun” stories lately.
At a health clinic one of the workers was complaining she just paid off two more traffic violation fines for her husband. She complained her husband cannot tolerate any cars driving in front of him so always drives very fast to pass them.
The wife was returning her amulets to a temple (cannot just throw away). Guy in front of her is getting a car lucky amulet. He told the temple guy that he bought the car last week and already had an accident so is getting the amulet.
We need a facepalm reaction! 
