Safety & Riding Rules
Navigation Settings
Road access depends strictly on your engine size and the shape of the road signs.
- Scooters below 250cc: Always use “Scooter Mode” on Google Maps. If your app doesn’t have it, use “Car Mode” but select “Avoid Tolls” and “Avoid Motorways/Highways” in settings.
- Navigation for 250cc+ Scooters: Set Google Maps to “Car Mode” and choose “Avoid Tolls”. You are allowed on Expressways but NOT National Highways (Green Plum signs).
Wrong Road Access:
Fines for entering prohibited roads range from NT5,000toNT6,000 (approximately $150–$200 USD). Additionally, the vehicle must be towed to the nearest exit, and all associated towing fees will be charged separately.
Road Access & Signage Guide
National Highways (Green Plum / Flower Symbol)
- National Highways, marked with a green plum blossom symbol, are strictly prohibited for all scooters and motorcycles, regardless of engine displacement.
- While riding on some expressways (allowed for 250cc+), you may see these green symbols as directional guidance for cars; seeing one does NOT mean you are on a national highway yet.
- Warning Signs: Before every national highway entrance, there are clear warning signs. A blue circular sign showing a car and a red circular sign with a slash over a motorcycle as shown above, indicates that only cars are permitted
Heavy Motorcycle Access (250cc+)
- A blue circular sign depicting both a car and a motorcycle indicates that only motorcycles 250cc or higher are permitted. Small scooters are explicitly banned from these roads, as shown below.
The "Hook Turn" (Two-Stage Left Turn)
In Taiwan, scooters with White Plates (<250cc) are generally not permitted to make direct left turns at large intersections. Look for the blue circular sign with a scooter and two arrows as shown below.
Fine for incorrect turn: NT$600 (~$19 USD). Large bikes (Yellow/Red plates) turn left directly like cars.
Speed Limits & Penalties
Standard Speed Limits
Inside the City: 40 – 50 km/h
Outside the City / Main Roads: 50 – 70 km/h
Expressways (Large Scooters/Motorcycles Only): 90 – 100 km/h.
Mandatory Alerts:Authorities must place an alert sign (Camera Sign) 100m–300m (City) or 300m -1000m (expressways) before a speed camera. Watch for the yellow characters painted on the road like in the image listed above.
Standard Traffic Fines
1-20 km/h over limit: NT1,200(<250cc) or NT1,600 (250cc+).
21- 40 km/h over limit: NT$2,000 for all engine sizes.
Dangerous Driving (Article 43)
Exceeding the limit by over 40 km/h is classified as Dangerous Driving.
- Plate Suspension: The license plate will be suspended immediately for a period of six months, during which the renter will be fully responsible for the resulting loss of rental income. This is one of the main reasons many local rental shops either do not rent to foreign customers or require substantial security deposits to cover potential losses in such situations. We kindly ask you to ride responsibly and avoid speeding, so as not to place yourself, our business, or the public at risk.
- Fines: NT12,000 to NT36,000 (~$400 – $1,200 USD).
General Riding Rules
- Alcohol & DUI: Alcohol & DUI (Driving Under the Influence): In Taiwan, the legal breath alcohol limit is 0.15 mg/L, and police conduct sobriety inspections both day and night; even one drink can be enough to exceed the legal limit. For motorcycles, first-time offenders face administrative fines ranging from NT$15,000 to NT$90,000 (approximately USD 500-3000). Refusing a breathalyzer test results in an immediate NT$180,000 fine (around USD 5,700), license revocation, and vehicle impoundment, while severe cases or repeat offenses can lead to fines of up to NT$500,000 (about USD 15,800), immediate license suspension, and possible criminal charges.
- Mobile Phones: Prohibited even at traffic signals. Use a mount and do not touch the screen while riding. Fine: NT$1,200.
- Lane Usage: Small scooters should ride in the outer lanes, not in the middle or inner lanes, which are for four-wheelers and heavy motorcycles. Never cross double solid lines or ride or park on sidewalks.
- Fueling: All scooters use 92 or 95-octane gasoline. Please use only 95 or 98-octane fuel for all motorcycles. If you do not know how to open the gas tank, ask the fueling staff for assistance, do not try to force the key and risk bending or breaking it.
- Parking (<250cc): In Taiwan, parking regulations are strict, and distinguishing between a parking receipt and a fine is essential. Here is the corrected information regarding parking and penalties:
- Standard Parking: Scooters under 250cc must be parked within white-lined parking boxes shown below.
- Parking Receipts: If you find a white or light-colored receipt stapled to your scooter, it is for a legal, paid parking spot (light green receipt below). The fee is typically NT$20 per stay and can be paid at any convenience store, such as 7-Eleven or FamilyMart.
- Traffic Penalties: A pink ticket or a slip without a specific payment amount stapled to your scooter is typically a traffic penalty notice for illegal parking (receipt with a pink border below). These fines start at NT$600 and are significantly more expensive than legal parking fees.
- Heavy Motorcycles: Motorcycles above 250cc (yellow or red plates) are legally required to use car parking spaces and are prohibited from using regular scooter boxes.
Quick Safety Checklist
- Helmets: Mandatory at all times for drivers and passengers.
- Right Turns: Turning right on a red light is strictly illegal in Taiwan. The fine for an illegal right turn on red is NT$600 – NT$1,800.
- Red Lights: Jumping a red light (going straight through) is a serious offense with higher penalties, ranging from NT$1,800 to NT$5,400.
- Pedestrians: Scooters must always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Failure to yield results in a heavy fine of up to NT$6,000
- Double Solid Lines: Never cross double solid lines, as they separate opposing traffic7. Crossing them is strictly prohibited and carries a fine of NT$600 – NT$1,800
- Always give way to ambulances, police, and fire trucks. Failing to yield can result in fines.
- In case of an accident, do not move the vehicles until police arrive unless necessary for safety. Notify the rental company immediately if any accident occurs.
- Foreigners must carry a valid license (International or Taiwan-issued) and passport at all times while riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. A typical round-the-island trip covers approximately 1,200 km to 1,400 km. Please let us know your planned route, your height/weight, and whether you will be riding with a passenger (pillion). This helps us recommend the scooter or motorcycle that best fits your needs.
All rentals include mandatory Third-Party Liability and Medical Insurance as required by Taiwan law. However, this does not cover damages to the scooter itself; you are responsible for any repair costs. We strongly recommend purchasing your own travel insurance.
Yes, we provide basic 3/4 and half-face helmets free of charge. While these are safe and functional, we do not replace visors frequently. For long-distance trips, we suggest bringing your own helmet for maximum comfort.
Yes, all scooters come with a mobile phone mount (supporting phones up to 6 inches). Smaller scooters may require a power bank as they do not have charging ports.
Yes, our rental plans are flexible to suit your itinerary. For a custom quote based on your specific duration or requirements, please message us directly.
Yes. A formal rental contract is required. You will need to provide your passport and valid driver’s license details. The contract outlines the duration, deposit, fees, and terms.
We are happy to help! Please reach out to us via WhatsApp or Line. Our support team is available to reply between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM (Taiwan Local Time).
While cash is the preferred method of payment, we do accept online card payments. Please note that a 5% processing fee applies to all card transactions.