Driving in Taiwan, China

Overview

Taiwan rewards drivers with dramatic coastal roads, mountain passes, and the stunning Taroko Gorge. The east coast and central mountains offer some of the island’s best scenery. However, traffic in cities is dense with scooters, and mountain roads demand caution. Typhoon season brings rain and potential landslides.

Taiwan drives on the right side of the road. An International Driving Permit is required for foreign visitors. Taiwan operates its own vehicle registration system; rental cars carry local plates and are subject to local regulations.

License & Documents

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required. Must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Obtain in your home country before arrival.
• Domestic license: Must be carried alongside the IDP at all times.
• Validity: IDP is valid for the duration of your stay, typically up to 30 days for tourists. Longer stays may require a local license.
• Carry at all times: IDP, domestic license, passport, and rental agreement.
• Minimum age: 18 years.

Note: Taiwan uses its own vehicle registration and licensing system. Rental vehicles will have Taiwan license plates. Your IDP from your home country is recognized for short-term driving.

Rules of the Road

• Drive on the right, overtake on the left
• BAC limit: 0.03% for standard drivers; 0.00% for commercial and novice drivers
• Seat belts: Mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraints.
• Mobile phones: Hands-free only. Handheld use is prohibited.
• Headlights: Use in tunnels and when visibility is poor. Some drivers use them at all times.
• Scooters: Extremely common. They filter through traffic and may appear suddenly. Check mirrors and blind spots constantly.
• Speed limits: Enforced by cameras. Fines can be substantial.
• Right of way: Pedestrians have priority at crosswalks. Yield to emergency vehicles.

Road Conditions & Types

Freeways

Taiwan’s freeway network connects major cities. The system is well-maintained but can be congested near Taipei and other urban centers.

• ETC (Electronic Toll Collection): Freeways use electronic tolls. Rental cars typically have an eTag; tolls are deducted automatically. Rental companies either include tolls in the fee or bill you after return.
• Speed limit: 100-110 km/h on freeways, depending on section. 90 km/h on some expressways.
• Rest areas: Service areas with fuel, food, and restrooms are available along major routes.

Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is one of Taiwan’s premier driving experiences. The road winds through marble cliffs and tunnels. Narrow in places; large vehicles and tour buses share the road.

• Drive slowly; pedestrians and cyclists are common
• Check for road closures or restrictions; typhoon damage can affect access
• Allow a full day to explore with stops

Suhua Highway (Highway 9)

The Suhua Highway runs along the east coast between Suao and Hualien. New tunnels have improved safety, but some sections remain narrow and winding. Landslides can occur during heavy rain.

• Avoid in typhoon season if possible
• Check road status before traveling
• Coastal views are spectacular but require full attention to the road

Mountain Roads

Central Taiwan’s mountains offer scenic drives but demand caution. Roads are often narrow, with sharp curves and steep gradients. Weather can change quickly. Reduce speed and use low gear on descents.

City Driving

Taipei, Kaohsiung, and other cities have dense traffic. Scooters are everywhere and may not follow the same rules as cars. Parking is limited and expensive. Consider public transport for city exploration and use a car for coastal and mountain routes.

Fuel & Charging

• Fuel types: Unleaded 95, Unleaded 98, Diesel. Major brands include CPC and Formosa.
• Prices: Moderately priced. Pay at the pump or inside; card and cash accepted.
• Full-service: Some stations have attendants; self-service is also common.
• EV charging: Growing network in cities and along major routes. Coverage in mountain and rural areas is still developing.

Parking

• Cities: Metered street parking and paid lots. Use parking apps where available.
• Scenic areas: Designated lots at Taroko and other attractions. Arrive early in peak season.
• Illegal parking: Strictly enforced. Fines and towing are possible.
• Scooter parking: Separate zones for scooters; do not park in scooter-only areas.

Tolls & Fees

• ETC: Electronic tolls on freeways. Rental cars are typically equipped. Confirm with the rental company how tolls are handled.
• No cash tolls: The system is fully electronic.
• Rental: Toll charges are usually included in the rental or billed separately after return.

Car Rental Tips

• Major companies: Local and international operators serve airports and cities.
• Pick-up: Taipei Taoyuan Airport and city locations have good selection.
• Insurance: CDW is standard. See our car rental insurance guide — consider full coverage given scooter-heavy traffic.
• ETC: Verify that the rental includes ETC or that you understand how tolls are charged.
• Manual vs automatic: Automatic is common. Specify if you have a preference.
• Typhoon season: Check cancellation policies. Road closures can affect itineraries.

Emergency Information

Service	Number
Police	110
Fire / Ambulance	119
Roadside Assistance	Check rental agreement

• 110 for police; 119 for fire and ambulance.
• Keep rental company contact details and insurance documents accessible.
• In remote areas, mobile coverage may be limited. Plan accordingly.

Cultural Tips

• Scooters: Expect them everywhere. They filter, lane-split, and may run red lights. Defensive driving is essential.
• Patience: Traffic in cities can be slow. Avoid aggressive driving.
• Honking: Used more freely than in some Western countries, but avoid excessive use.
• Typhoon season: From June to October, check weather daily. Do not drive during typhoon warnings. Landslides can close roads without notice.
• Mountain driving: Use pullouts to let faster vehicles pass. Signal and drive predictably.

Useful Resources

• Taiwan Tourism - Driving
• National Freeway Bureau
• Central Weather Administration
• Taroko National Park

Related Destinations

• Japan
• South Korea
• Hong Kong