Lawmakers pass tougher drug-driving penalties

CONSEQUENCES: Refusing a drug test carries a fines of NT$270,000 to NT$450,000, while repeat offenders face lifetimes bans and the confiscation of their vehicle By Lin Hsin-han and Fion Khan / Staff reporter, with staff writer and CNA Add TT as Preferred Source The Legislative Yuan yesterday passed the third reading of amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act (道路交通管理處罰條例), significantly raising the penalties for drug-impaired driving. Under the amendments, first-time offenders convicted of driving while under the influence of drugs would face fines of NT$150,000 if operating an automobile and NT$120,000 if riding a motorcycle. A second drug-impaired driving offense within five years would result in an additional NT$90,000 fine on top of the previous penalty, with no upper