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Freeway and Expressway Traffic Control Regulations
 
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Freeway and Expressway Traffic Control Regulations
 
Article 1
These Regulations are defined in accordance with Article 33-6 of the Statute Governing Road Traffic (hereinafter referred to as the Statute). 
 
Article 2
The definitions of the terms used in the Regulations are as follows:
1. Freeways: Freeways are defined as having entries and exits completely controlled and roads centrally divided with traffic going in opposite directions on either side. Freeways intersect with other roads except for their starting and ending points. They are exclusively used by automobiles.
2. Expressways: In addition to freeways, expressways are those roads whose entries and exits are controlled, in whole or in part, and whose roads are centrally divided. Expressways intersect with other main roads except for their starting and ending points and may link with secondary roads. They are exclusively used by automobiles.
3. Main Traffic Lanes: Main traffic lanes are those which serve automobiles.
4. Outer Lanes: Outer lanes are the outer right lanes of the main traffic roads.
5. Inner Lanes: Inner lanes are the inner left lanes of the main traffic lanes.
6. Middle Lanes: Middle lanes are the middle lanes of the three or five lanes headed in the same direction.
7. Middle Outer Lanes: Middle outer lanes are the lanes adjacent to the outer lanes of the four or five lanes headed in the same direction.
8. Middle Inner Lanes: Middle inner lanes are the lanes adjacent to the outer lanes of the four or five lanes headed in the same direction.
9. Acceleration Lanes: Acceleration lanes are found between the ramps and main traffic lanes. They are the lanes where automobiles accelerate before going from the ramps to the main traffic lanes.
10. Deceleration Lanes: Deceleration lanes are found between the ramps and main traffic lanes. They are the lanes where automobiles decelerate before going into the ramps from the main traffic lanes.
11. Auxiliary Lanes: Auxiliary lanes are the outer lanes of the main traffic lanes. They connect the acceleration lane and deceleration lanes of the two neighbouring interchanges. Auxiliary lanes are exclusively used by automobiles entering and leaving freeways and expressways.
12. Interchanges: Interchanges are the intersections consisting of ramps that connect with freeways, expressways or other roads.
13. Ramps: Ramps are the interconnections between acceleration/deceleration lanes, main traffic lanes and other roads within interchanges.
14. Climbing Lanes: Climbing lanes are the outer lanes of the upward sloping main lanes. This is where automobiles travel at speeds below the minimal requirements.
15. Central Reserves: Central reserves are the central diving zones that separate two-way traffic lanes.
16. Road Shoulders: Road shoulders are the outer lanes of traffic lanes or the areas between road margins and road fences or road drainages.

Freeways and expressways mentioned in the first and second paragraphs are announced by the competent authorities governing Freeway of the central governments. If necessary, the expressways not connecting freeways may be opened to large and heavy motorcycles after the governing authorities obtain approval from the competent authorities governing Freeway at the central governments.

The vehicles running on the intersections between expressways and secondary roads are not subject to these Regulations when they pass through the secondary roads. 

Article 3
The authorities governing freeways and expressways are Taiwan Area National Freeway Bureau, MOTC for all the national freeways and Directorate General of Freeway, MOTC for all the provincial Freeway. 

Article 4
The governing areas for all the freeways and expressways are defined in accordance with the scope of rights of ways and the interconnections with other roads. 
 
Article 5
Drivers should follow the instructions on speed limit signs when driving along freeways and expressways. In case of dense fog, thick smoke, strong winds, heavy rains or other special situations where the visibility is low, drivers should keep their speed at below 40 km/hr or simply park on the road shoulders temporarily. Warning lamps should be lit.

Ambulances, fire engines, police cars, engineering vehicles and recovery vehicles are not subject to the aforesaid speed limits when they are executing tasks on freeways and expressways. However, they should install obvious warning signs as stipulated.  
Article 6
When driving on freeways and expressways, drivers should observe the following regulations governing the safety distance between two vehicles.

1. Small vehicles: The speed of the vehicle per hour divided by two, at the unit of meters.
2. Large vehicles: The speed of the vehicle per hour minus twenty, at the unit of meters. 

The examples are as follows:  

Speed

Minimum Distance(meters)

(km/hr)

Large Vehicles

Small Vehicles

60

40

30

70

50

35

80

60 

40

90

70

45

100

80

50

110

90

55

 
According to the first regulation, In case of dense fog, thick smoke, strong winds, heavy rains or other special situations, drivers should increase the safety distance as appropriate. They should always maintain a distance at which they can brake and stop at any given time.

 

Drivers driving in tunnels over 4 kilometres in length or specified by the governing authorities should observe the stipulations of Article 16-3 when it comes to the safety distance between vehicles. 
 
Article 7
Drivers entering the main traffic lanes from interchanges, service areas or rest stations should observe the instructions of traffic signs, traffic marks and road signs. They should gradually speed up on the acceleration lanes on the right lanes and make sure that the safety distance is reached before entering the main traffic lanes. 
 
Article 8
In addition to the temporary or movable signs set up for traffic accidents and road constructions and the instructions from traffic police on duty, drivers should observe the regulations stated on traffic signs, traffic marks and road signs when driving on freeways and expressways. Drivers should observe the following regulations if there are no established signs or instructions.
1. Any slower small vehicles whose speed is below 80 km/hr on the freeways or whose speed limit is over 90 km/hr and any slower small vehicles whose speed is below 70 km/hr on the expressways whose speed limit is over 80 km/hr should be kept on the outer lanes. They can access the adjacent outer lanes temporarily should they wish to pass the vehicles in front. 
2. Large vehicles should run on the outer lanes. They can access the adjacent outer lanes temporarily should they wish to exceed the vehicles in the front.
3. The inner lanes are passing lanes. However, small vehicles may travel on the inner lanes within the speed limit specified for the road section in question as long as they do not hold up the traffic. 
4. Large cargo vehicles, large vehicles for cargo and passengers, and link vehicles should run on the outer lanes when going on steep, downward slopes. They are not permitted to change lanes unless special situations arise.
5. When the vehicles are running at the speed lower than the minimum requirements on the upward speed slopes, they should stay on the climbing lanes. They are not allowed to change lanes unless special situations arise. 
6. Towing vehicles should stay on the outer lanes and must not change lanes when towing vehicles unless special situations arise.

Small vehicles may be exempt from the restrictions of Article 1 and Article 3 if traffic is jammed.

Ambulances, fire engines, police cars, engineering vehicles and recovery vehicles are not subject to the aforesaid speed limit when they are executing tasks. However, they should install obvious warning signs as stipulated. 
 
Article 9
When driving on freeways and expressways, drivers are forbidden to engage in the following activities:
1. Driving between lanes, turning around, reversing the car
2. Driving on road shoulders or using the road shoulders to pass the vehicle in front or behind the vehicle

3. Overtaking the vehicle in front or backing the vehicle on acceleration lanes, deceleration lanes or the ramp of a single lane
4. Overtaking the vehicle in front by changing into acceleration lanes, deceleration lanes, auxiliary lanes or sloping lanes from the main traffic lane
5. Opening or passing through the dividing facilities on central reserves without permission
6. Not fastening safety belts (driver or passengers in the front seat)
7. Allowing passengers to stand up in large coaches
8. Polluting the roads by running tires with excessive mud and sand
9. Not switching on headlights when driving at night or using full beam light when there are other vehicles within 100 meters in front
10. Towing break-down vehicles by using non-steel connecting rods
11. Forcing vehicles in front to give way by pressing the horn aggressively, flashing headlights, or resorting to other means
12. Not following the instructions on the engineering safety signs when the roads are under engineering work during day or night time
13. Disregarding the instructions, commands or inspections of the traffic police or other traffic inspectors on duty by driving away
14. Disposing objects or waste by throwing them out of the vehicle.

Ambulances, fire engines, police cars, engineering vehicles and recovery vehicles are not subject to the regulations from Article 1 to Article 5. Repair, maintenance and towing vehicles approved by the governing authorities of freeways and expressways may be exempt from the restrictions of Article 2 and Article 3 when they are carrying out duties for repair, maintenance and towing. However, they should install obvious warning signs as stipulated. 

Article 10
Unless it is necessary to slow down due to special situations, drivers shall not break suddenly or stop or pull over on the traffic lanes when driving. 

Article 11
Drivers must not change lanes suddenly or at will. If drivers wish to pass the vehicle in front or change lanes, they should first turn on their indicators to inform the vehicles in the front and behind and maintain a safe distance.
 
Article 12
Drivers cannot park their vehicles on road shoulders, surrounding areas of the road shoulders, central reserves, inside of tunnels, interchanges or toll stations when they are driving on freeways and expressways. They can only park in the designated locations. However, in case of dense fog, thick smoke smokes, strong winds, heavy rains or other special situations where driving safety is threatened, drivers may park their vehicles on road shoulders temporarily and turn on hazard warning lights. They should resume the driving as soon as the visibility becomes clear again.

Ambulances, fire engines, police cars, engineering vehicles and recovery vehicles on duty, as well as towing vehicles approved by the governing authorities of freeways and expressways may be exempt from the previous restrictions. However, they should install obvious warning signs as stipulated.  
 
Article 13
When the vehicle no longer has reason to temporarily park on road shoulders, the driver should enter the outer lane from the road shoulder by observing the instructions of the traffic signs, road marks and road signs. They should gradually accelerate on the road shoulders before entering the main traffic lanes ensuring a safe distance is kept. 

Article 14
Vehicles should be inspected before traveling on freeway and expressway, and the following shall be prohibited:
1. Out of water, power or fuel
2. Any tire, part of vehicle falling off the vehicle or the rubber skin falling off the tire
3. Tire tread less than

(1) 4 or more wheels automobiles: 1.6mm

(2) Motorcycles: 1mm.
  
Article 15
If vehicles cannot continue to run due to mechanical breakdowns or any other emergency, drivers should coast off the traffic lanes and park their vehicles on road shoulders to wait for rescue. Before the vehicle coast off the lane, drivers should indicate and drive onto the shoulder slowly and gradually. The whole vehicle or any intruding part of the cargo onboard should all stay clear of the road. While waiting for roadside assistance, the vehicle should have its up hazard warning lights switched on and a warning sign must be placed 50-100 meters behind the vehicle.

If for any reason the vehicle in question cannot be driven off the road lane, the driver should not only light up the hazard warning lights but also place a warning sign at the 50-100 meters behind the vehicle. It is also necessary to inform the competent authorities or the police immediately for assistance.
 
Article 16
When driving through tunnels on freeways and expressways, drivers should observe the following regulations:
1. Drivers should turn on headlamps when driving through tunnels
2. If vehicles cannot continue to run due to mechanical failures or any other emergency in the tunnel, drivers should turn on their indicators, gradually slow down and park at the emergency parking bays or on the sides to wait for rescue. During the wait, drivers should turn off the engine, light up the hazard warning lights and place warning signs on the pavements at the entrance of the emergency parking bays or at 100 meters behind the breakdown. It is also necessary to inform the competent authorities governing freeways and expressways or the police immediately for assistance. The driver should assist passengers in retreating to a safe location.
3. Drivers driving in tunnels over 4 kilometres in length or specified by the governing authorities should keep a safe distance of at least 50 meters between vehicles. If the vehicle speed falls below 20 km/hr or reaches zero due to traffic jam, accidents or other special situations, drivers should still maintain a safe distance of at least 20 meters. 

Article 17
In addition to following the instructions of traffic police on duty, drivers shall not, for any reason whatsoever, stop their vehicles or park their vehicles on road shoulders when they drive in the jammed sections, in order to avoid obstructing ambulances, fire engines, police cars, engineering vehicles and recovery vehicles from entering the site to clean up and provide emergency aides. Drivers should switch on hazard warning lights if they have to park their vehicles on the main lanes.
 
Article 18
Drivers entering interchanges, service areas or rest stations from freeways or expressways should first drive into the outer lanes before gradually slowing down on the deceleration lanes.
 
Article 19
None of the following personnel or vehicles is allowed to enter freeways or expressways:
1. Pedestrians
2. Military on duty or drills
3. Local buses
4. Motorcycles
5. Tricars or motored tricars
6. Agricultural machinery
7. Non-automobile power machines
8. Any vehicles towing a vehicle that did not break down on freeways or expressways.

The personnel/equipment engaged in construction, engineering, repairs, maintenance or any other duties approved by the competent authorities governing freeways and expressways, military police responsible for escorting and piloting fleets of vehicles for national guests, police on emergency duties, motorcycles and large heavy motorcycles executing emergency duties on freeways and expressways and any other personnel approved to be engaged in special activities are exempt from the previous restriction.

In order to ensure the safety and smooth flow of the traffic on freeways and expressways, the competent authorities or police in charge of the management of freeways and expressways may, when necessary, issue commands to forbid or restrict vehicles running on specified ramps or sections, or allow vehicles to access specified ramps or sections of freeways and expressways.

The aforesaid restrictions, prohibitions and allowances may be applicable to vehicles, passengers and cargo 
 
Article 20
In addition to the regulations governing small vehicles, riders of large motorcycles approved to run on expressways should also observe the following regulations:
1. They are not allowed to ride side-by-side with another motorcycle on the same lane or attempt to pass the vehicle in front.
2. They are not allowed to carry passengers.
3. They are required to have headlamps turned on at all times.

Article 21
The loading of cargo by the trunks running on freeways and expressways should observe the following regulations:
1. Cargo should be tightly covered, sealed and fastened. Any granules (such as gravel) should be tightly covered and may not exceed the height of the carriages.
2. Vehicles shipping livestock, poultry and fish should be equipped with facilities to prevent leakage and store animal excrement. Animal excrement cannot be disposed of freely.
3. The intruding part exceeding the length at the back of the vehicles cannot obstruct the lamps and license plates behind.

If the owner of vehicles violates the regulations stated in the previous paragraph above or allows the loaded cargo to exceed the limit specified for the total weight, the weight of total links and allowed for passing through of bridges and such negligence causes damages of facilities, the owner of the vehicles may be required to meet any costs incurred to return the damaged facilities to their original status.
 
Article 22
Drivers may not load/unload cargo or allow passengers to get in/out of vehicles when driving on freeways and expressways.  
 
Article 23
Drivers should begin to slow down by following the instructions before entering toll stations on freeways. They should drive through the toll stations and pay for the tolls by following the traffic signs, road markings and road signs or the commands of the traffic police on duty. 
 
Article 24
Any trucks, coaches, and link vehicles entering a weight station shall observe the instructions of traffic signs, road markings and road signs. No emergency brake is allowed on the weight. Any parking or driving should follow the instructions of service staff or signs.

If the loaded cargo exceeds the total allowed weight or the weight of total links by over 20% and the load cannot be redistributed immedialtely and the owner fails to make amends after being reported to the competent authorities, continuous penalties may be issued. 
 
Article 25
In addition to towing, suspending, relocation, safekeeping and processing, additional penalties may be issued for any of the following situations when vehicles are running on freeways and expressways:
1. Parking of a break down vehicle on the road shoulder on the outer lanes in excess of 2 hours
2. Parking of a vehicle in the service area or rest station in excess of 4 hours
3. Obstructing of traffic by any vehicle damaged in an accident
4. Failure to relocate the break down vehicle in order to avoid the obstruction of traffic
5. Failure to remove the parked vehicle promptly as required
6. Parking of any vehicle not on duty inside the tunnel or at the entrance/exit of the tunnel
7. Any vehicle that should be removed and safe-kept in accordance with Article 85-2-1 of the Regulations.

The expenses associated with the towing, suspension, relocation, safekeeping and processing of the aforesaid vehicle shall be borne by the driver or owner of the vehicle. The fee schedule is determined by the competent authorities governing freeways and expressways in collaboration with the relevant police authorities.

If the cargo falls on the road lanes or shoulders on freeways or expressways, drivers should set up a breakdown warning sign at 50-100 meters behind the fallen cargo and immediately clear the cargo. If drivers cannot clear the fallen cargo in time, they should immediately call for assistance from the competent authorities governing freeways and expressways. The relevant expenses shall be borne by the driver or owner of the vehicle.
 
Article 26
Any vehicles providing towing and suspending services but not approved by the competent authorities governing freeways and expressways are not allowed to operate within the right of ways in any route. 

Article 27
All the traffic police on duty or personnel executing traffic inspections on freeways and expressways shall wear uniforms or carry identification. They may carry out traffic audits and inspections in plain clothes if they are approved by the police; however, they should carry with them the audit identification.
 
Article 28
Except for the vehicles used by plain clothed policemen performing traffic audits and inspections, any vehicles on duty on freeways and expressways should be equipped with obvious identification
 
Article 29
Any violations of the Regulations are subject to the penalties stated in these Regulations or other relevant laws.
 
Article 30
Any traffic accidents on the freeways are under the authority of National Highway Police Bureau, National Police Agency, and Ministry of the Interior.

Any traffic accidents on the expressways are under the authority of the relevant city/county police authorities or any police authorities assigned by the National Police Agency, Ministry of the Interior.
 
Article 31
The implementation date of the Regulations is determined by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior.
(一)Freeways
1、National Freeway No. 1: Total length(0k-372.7k)
2、National Freeway No. 2: Total length(0k-20.4k)
3、National Freeway No. 3: Total length(0k-430.5k)
4、National Freeway No. 4: Total length(0k-17.8k)
5、National Freeway No. 5: Total length(0k-54.3k)
6、National Freeway No. 6: South 133 Country-Side Crossroad to Sinhua(4.2k-15.5k)
7、National Freeway No. 10: Total length(0k-33.8k)
(二)Expressway
1、National Freeway No. 3A :Total length(0k-5.6k)
2、National Freeway No. 8 Tainan to South 133 Country-Side Crossroad(0k-4.2k)

 
Website address for news:https://www.freeway.gov.tw/english/Publish.aspx?cnid=1094&p=522
Time printed:2024-3-29 AM 08:14:38
Date of Posting :2007-12-06
Source of Information:Traffic Management Division
Last Updated:2024-01-29
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