MOTC plans stricter penalties for drug-impaired driving, including license revocation

In response to frequent accidents caused by drug-impaired driving, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announced today that it is planning to amend the 'Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act' to strengthen penalties and management mechanisms. The MOTC plans to upgrade the penalty for driving under the influence of drugs from a 1-2 year license suspension to license revocation, with a 3-year ban on re-testing. For users of Category 1 and 2 drugs, licenses will be revoked even without a driving incident, and re-testing will be restricted. Users of Category 3 and 4 drugs will face license suspension. The MOTC also plans to increase fines for first-time and repeat offenders and introduce penalties for passengers aged 18 or older who knowingly ride with a drug-impaired driver, aiming to enhance social deterrence through a shared responsibility mechanism. Furthermore, a management system for the driving qualifications of drug users will be established. Those whose licenses have been suspended or revoked must complete drug addiction treatment or training and remain drug-free for a certain period before they can re-apply for or renew their licenses.