Divergent Definitions of Curb Line Crossing: Ministry of Transportation Agrees to Review Standards with Police

By Central News Agency reporter Yu Hsiao-han, Taipei, June 18

Law enforcement agencies consider a vehicle violating traffic rules if any tire touches a channelizing line. However, court rulings have determined that a vehicle still occupying three-quarters of its original lane does not meet the threshold for a 'crossing' violation. Today, Deputy Minister of Transportation Wu Sheng-yuan pledged to review the definition of 'crossing' in coordination with local governments and police agencies.

According to the Road Traffic Sign, Line, and Signal Installation Regulations, channelizing lines are designed to guide drivers along designated routes and prohibit crossing.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Lin Chun-hsien pointed out that in practice, drivers are penalized by police as soon as one tire touches the channelizing line, deemed a 'crossing' violation.

Lin cited over 100 penalty cases in Rende District, Tainan, which sparked public complaints and prompted the Tainan City Government to request a temporary halt to enforcement.

Lin questioned: 'What exactly constitutes “crossing” a channelizing line?' He noted that while the Ministry of Transportation and police consider any contact sufficient for a violation, a previous ruling by the Hualien District Court held that a vehicle retaining three-quarters within its original lane does not, under the principle of proportionality, constitute a crossing—highlighting a clear discrepancy in interpretation.

Lin added that in Japan, channelizing lines are known as 'diversion zones' (guidance strips), where vehicles may drive unless explicitly prohibited. He urged Taiwan to follow Japan’s model by clearly defining which areas are guidance zones and which are strictly prohibited.

Wu Sheng-yuan stated that channelizing lines are meant to guide vehicles in the correct direction. Regarding the Rende, Tainan case, he will coordinate with local authorities to reassess whether the lines are drawn too broadly and will work with local and police agencies to review the definition of 'crossing' a channelizing line. (Edited by Li Shu-hua) 1150618

Stand with the facts. Your support defends press freedom.

Download the CNA 'Breaking News' app for real-time updates.

Text, images, and videos on this site may not be reproduced, broadcast, or transmitted without authorization.