But I may be returning sometime in the future. What happens next if I return to Taiwan and want to ride a scooter? Obviously I will have to pay the fines, but are there any other penalties? And is their interest accumulated? Is there a government website I can check on this?
The website you need is in the second post, I think. You’ll probably have accumulated some big fines.
I checked that site, entered my ID number, and got back a reply that said I owe 0 fines. I know that it’s correct because it listed my old scooter’s license plate number. And I know that it’s not correct because I did owe some fines to the DMV. Most curious. Surely the fines don’t just expire after you’ve been out of the country for several years?!
Taiwan’s true slogan:
“Touch not your heart. Hear, but don’t listen. Don’t ask, don’t tell.”
I’ve asked my ex-boss to call the DMV and check out on this. The legal system here is extremely Byzantine.
I understand that if a person (aiming at taiwanese citizens) owes a certain amount in fines (something like 500,000ntd) he/she can not leave the country until its paid off. But i havent heard of anything about people refused entry owing fines.
What they will do is let you back into the country and then hit you with the fines. But thats assuming anyone actually bothered.
Im guessing nobody will bother.
I wouldnt worry bout it (its past worrying at this stage anyway) and if the fines find you, then find out who what and where to pay.
dont worry its not like China, where they may incarcerate (scary word) you !
Ha! At most, it’s 10% of 500.000 NT! They let me go back home with no hassle in the first place, despite a stern letter from the DMV threatening criminal charges if I didn’t pay up on time. So I guess it’s OK.