Motorcycles & Scooters

Taiwan is commonly known as the "kingdom of motorcycles" with hundreds of thousands of two-wheeled vehicles found on the roads at any given time. Like their Taiwanese counterparts, many foreigners find motorcycles and scooters to be a popular and cheap, but dangerous, form of conveyance. The incidence of motorcycle accidents in Taiwan is very high, and utmost care should be exercised when driving one.

Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets at all times. Other commonly enforced laws include the two-stage left-turn requirement: Left-turning motorcycles need to cross straight across an intersection to the painted motorcycle box and wait there for the other traffic signal to turn green. On major roadways, motorcyles are required to remain in motorcycle lanes to the side, and are forbidden from driving on freeways. See "General Driving Tips" for other advice when using Taiwan's roads.

Taiwan's motorcycles fall into three general categories with different driver requirements:

-Motorscooters with engine displacements under 50 cc

Drivers must be at least 18 and possess a valid driver's license from any country. An under-50cc license can be obtained at the Taichung City Motor Vehicle Office (see address below).

-Motorcycles between 50 and 250 cc

Drivers must be at least 18 and hold a Taiwan motorcycle license for vehicles over 50 cc. To obtain this, a road test, written test and simple physical examination are required, via the Motor Vehicle Office.

-Motorcycles over 250 cc

Heavier motorcycles may only be operated with a special license, obtained via the Motor Vehicle Office after taking a special course in operating large motorcycles.

Thanks to an abundance of motorcycle shops, located on almost every city block, motorcycle repairs can usually be quickly and easily carried out for a reasonable price.

Taichung City Motor Vehicle Office

77, Beitun Rd.

(04) 2234-1103

E-Mail : service.tmv@thb.gov.tw