Taichung Police Tighten Enforcement on Drug-Impaired Driving; Positive Rapid Tests Lead to Prosecution

According to the Central News Agency, the issue of drug-impaired driving continues to threaten public safety. Taichung Police Chief Wu Ching-tien stated in the city council today that enforcement is being tightened, and any driver testing positive via saliva rapid tests will be immediately referred to the prosecutor's office. A total of 665 cases have been processed as of May 24 this year. KMT City Councilor Chen Ben-tian expressed concern over the danger posed by such drivers, calling them 'ticking time bombs' on the road. Wu noted that the National Police Agency is prioritizing this issue, and Taichung's enforcement rate has increased fourfold compared to 2024. Since November, saliva rapid tests have been used, providing results in three minutes. Starting last week, the policy was further hardened to ensure immediate prosecution. The police are also recommending that prosecutors apply for preventive detention under the revised Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure public safety.