No, Taiwan’s Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act prohibits wearing headphones or earphones while driving, as they impair auditory awareness of traffic signals and hazards. Violators face fines up to NT$3,000 under Article 31-1, enforced by the National Police Agency’s 2023-2026 road safety campaigns.
Key Regulations for Driving with Headphones in Taiwan
- Absolute Ban: Article 31-1 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act explicitly forbids headphones or earphones that cover both ears, regardless of volume.
- Enforcement Priority: The National Police Agency’s 2026 compliance drive targets distracted driving, with traffic police empowered to issue on-the-spot fines.
- Exceptions: Single-ear headsets (e.g., Bluetooth earpieces) are permitted if they do not obstruct ambient sound, per Ministry of Transportation and Communications 2024 guidelines.
Non-compliance risks not only financial penalties but also potential liability in accident investigations, where impaired situational awareness may be deemed contributory negligence. Local jurisdictions, such as Taipei City Police, have intensified patrols in high-risk zones like Xinyi District, where distracted driving accounts for 18% of collisions.