You have probably noticed the new sticker “Buckle up or pay up” during your recent taxi ride to work or school. Since Feb. 1, it has been mandatory for all taxi passengers to wear their seat belts or face a fine of up to NT$4,500, so beware!

The new law regulating seat belts took effect last August 2011, but was in a grace period until this February.

According to the Directorate General of Highways (DGH), taxi drivers will be fined NT$1,500, NT$3,000 or NT$6,000 if their rear seat passengers are not wearing their seat belts on regular roads, expressways or freeways, respectively.

If the passengers were informed by the driver to buckle up, but decided not to, only the passenger will face the NT$4,500 fine, the DGH said.

Resource：International Taiwan Service Protal