A Complete Guide to Taiwan’s Bicycle Traffic Laws

Do you know how much the fine is for running a red light on a bicycle in Taiwan? Can you legally ride a bicycle on the sidewalk? Can you get fined for not wearing a helmet while cycling? These seemingly simple questions actually stump a lot of riders. Understanding the traffic laws that apply to bicycles isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s a basic skill for protecting yourself and others.

The Legal Status of Bicycles

Under Taiwan’s “Act Governing the Punishment of Violation of Road Traffic Regulations” (道路交通管理處罰條例) and the “Road Traffic Safety Rules” (道路交通安全規則), bicycles are classified as slow-moving vehicles (慢車). This classification determines a bicycle’s right-of-way, riding rules, and penalties for violations.

It’s worth noting that pedal-assist electric bicycles (which only provide power assistance while you pedal, capped at 25 km/h) are also classified as slow-moving vehicles and follow the same rules as ordinary bicycles. However, electric bicycles with throttle control (that don’t require pedaling) must be separately registered and licensed, and are subject to different regulations.

Right of Way: Where You Can and Can’t Ride

Dedicated Bicycle Lanes

Where a road has a dedicated bicycle lane, bicycles should ride in it. In practice, however, many bicycle lanes are poorly designed (frequently obstructed, uneven surfaces, illogical routing), so riders may choose to ride in a regular traffic lane instead — in which case extra care for safety is needed.

General Roads

On general roads without a dedicated bicycle lane, the following rules apply:

• Keep to the right side of the road: By law, you should generally keep to the right, though this doesn’t mean hugging the gutter — maintaining a safe distance is reasonable
• Do not ride in the fast lane: Bicycles should ride in the slow lane. On roads with only one lane per direction, keep to the right side
• No riding against traffic: Bicycles must obey one-way street rules and the designated direction of travel

Sidewalks

This is one of the most contested issues. Under current regulations:

• In principle, riding on sidewalks is prohibited
• Exception: Local competent authorities may designate specific sidewalk sections open to bicycles. On these designated sections, pedestrians have the right of way, and cyclists must yield to pedestrians
• When riding on a sidewalk section that has been opened to bicycles, speed must not exceed pedestrian walking speed (approximately 6 km/h)

Arcades (Covered Walkways / “Qilou”)

Arcades (covered pedestrian walkways in front of shops, known as 騎樓) are, in principle, not a legal space for cycling, though enforcement varies by locality. It’s advisable to avoid riding through arcades to prevent conflicts with pedestrians.

Prohibited Areas

• Expressways and freeways: Bicycles are absolutely prohibited from entering
• Tunnels: Some tunnels prohibit bicycles — watch for posted signage
• Certain bridges: Some elevated bridges prohibit slow-moving vehicles

Obeying Signals and Signs

Traffic Lights

Bicycles must obey all traffic signals, including red lights, green lights, and pedestrian signals.

Penalties for violations:

• Running a red light: a fine of NT$180 to NT$360
• Failing to follow signal instructions: same as above

Turning Rules

Left turns are one of the most dangerous maneuvers for a cyclist at an intersection, and the law has clear provisions for this:

• Two-stage left turn: At intersections with two-stage left-turn signage or a scooter waiting area, bicycles should perform a two-stage left turn just like scooters
• Conditions for a direct left turn: At intersections without two-stage left-turn signage and with lighter traffic, bicycles may turn left directly, but must signal first and confirm it’s safe behind them

Right turns:

• Move to the right side early and slow down before turning
• Watch for pedestrians and scooters on your right

Common Traffic Signs Explained

The following signs apply equally to bicycles:

Sign	Meaning	Applies to Bicycles
No Entry	All vehicles prohibited from entering	Yes
One Way	Travel in one direction only	Yes
Speed Limit Sign	Maximum speed limit	Yes (though bicycles usually can’t reach it)
No Bicycles	Specifically prohibits bicycles	Yes
Slow Vehicle Lane Sign	Area for slow-moving vehicles	Yes

Equipment and Conduct Rules

Helmets

Taiwan’s current regulations on bicycle helmets are as follows:

• Riders and passengers under 18 riding a bicycle must wear a helmet
• For adults riding a bicycle, the law does not mandate wearing a helmet

Note, however, that “not mandatory” doesn’t mean “not necessary.” From a safety standpoint, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended regardless of age.

Lights and Reflective Equipment

Under Article 128 of the Road Traffic Safety Rules:

• Bicycles ridden at night must have their front light turned on
• Reflectors must be installed on the front and rear of the bicycle
• Failure to install or use them as required results in a fine of NT$180

Rules on Carrying Passengers

• Bicycles may not carry passengers, except with a legal parent-child bike or a proper bicycle child seat
• A child seat is limited to carrying one child aged 6 or under
• The fine for illegally carrying a passenger is NT$300 to NT$600

Prohibited Conduct

• No riding with both hands off the handlebars: Signaling with one hand while riding is legal, but taking both hands off the bars is not
• No holding onto other vehicles: You may not hold onto a car’s or truck’s handle to be towed along
• No racing on public roads: Illegal racing on public roads is a violation
• No riding under the influence: Cycling under the influence of alcohol is likewise illegal, with a fine of NT$300 to NT$600. Although the penalty is much lighter than for cars or scooters, the danger of riding while intoxicated is just as real

Accident Liability and Legal Practice

Bicycle vs. Motor Vehicle Accidents

When an accident occurs between a bicycle and a motor vehicle (car or scooter), liability is determined based on the cause of the accident — you don’t automatically get more protection just because you’re the “vulnerable road user.”

Factors affecting the determination of liability:

• Whether traffic rules were followed (running red lights, riding against traffic, etc.)
• Whether there was a breach of the duty of defensive driving
• Right-of-way at the location
• Whether speed was appropriate

Bicycle vs. Pedestrian Accidents

When a bicycle collides with a pedestrian, the cyclist generally bears greater responsibility, especially on sidewalks or pedestrian crossings. A reminder to all riders: in front of pedestrians, the bicycle is the “stronger” party.

Bicycle-to-Bicycle Collisions

Collisions during group rides or within a peloton involve more complex liability determinations. Responsibility is typically apportioned according to each party’s degree of fault.

Latest Trends in Regulatory Reform

Taiwan’s bicycle-related regulations continue to evolve. Here are some trends worth watching:

• Safe passing distance legislation: Following the example of European countries, there may be legislation requiring cars to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters when overtaking a bicycle
• Comprehensive bicycle lane network planning: Local governments continue to expand bicycle lane networks
• Adjustments to e-bike regulations: As pedal-assist e-bikes become more common, related rules may become more refined
• Urban low-speed zones: Some cities are beginning to plan 30 km/h speed-limit zones, which would have a positive effect on cyclist safety

Practical Recommendations

Bike Cameras (Dash Cams for Cyclists)

Installing a bicycle-mounted camera is strongly recommended. In the event of an accident, video footage is the most compelling evidence for determining liability. There are now many cameras designed specifically for cyclists, offering features such as dual front-and-rear lenses, waterproofing, and extended recording time.

Insurance

As discussed in our earlier article on bicycle insurance, purchasing appropriate insurance is a responsible choice for both yourself and others. Third-party liability insurance in particular can provide protection if you accidentally cause harm to someone else.

Keep Learning

Traffic laws get updated, and new intersection designs and signage continue to appear. It’s a good idea to regularly follow announcements from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and local governments to make sure your riding habits stay compliant with the latest rules.

Understanding and following the rules isn’t just about avoiding tickets — it’s about building a more bicycle-friendly traffic environment. When every rider follows the law, society’s acceptance and respect for cyclists grows accordingly. Let’s start with ourselves and be law-abiding, safe, and well-mannered riders.

Related Reading

• 台灣自行車道路法規完整解析：道路騎乘的合法權益
• 台灣自行車道規範：專用道、一般道路的規定差異
• 台灣電動自行車法規全解析：合法上路的必備知識
• 騎車時的交通安全：台灣路況下的正確行車行為