Taiwanese Motorcyclist Loses Appeal After Unexpected Fine for Stopping in Front of Bus

A case in New Taipei City highlights road safety concerns as a driver's actions lead to a hefty penalty and legal defeat.

In a recent case in Taiwan, a driver, identified as 阿榮 (A-Rong), faced a significant financial penalty after an incident involving a public bus in New Taipei City. The driver, who was riding a motorcycle, contested a NT$16,000 fine, arguing that the bus driver had engaged in aggressive driving maneuvers, leading him to stop his motorcycle in front of the bus. He subsequently filed an administrative lawsuit to appeal the fine, but was ultimately unsuccessful.

The incident reportedly began as 阿榮 (A-Rong) was following the bus. He claimed that when the bus indicated its intention to pull over, he attempted to pass it on the left side. He alleged that the bus driver then abruptly veered left, without signaling, leading him to believe he was being intentionally forced off the road. He honked his horn to alert the bus driver, and when that didn't work, he stopped his motorcycle in front of the bus, claiming he was about to be hit.

However, the New Taipei City Government Traffic Adjudication Department provided evidence suggesting that 阿榮 (A-Rong)'s actions constituted "sudden braking or stopping in a lane without an emergency." The department's records indicated that the bus driver was operating the vehicle in a normal manner, whereas 阿榮 (A-Rong) had been aggressively overtaking and then abruptly stopping, which resulted in passengers on the bus sustaining injuries due to the sudden braking.

The Taipei High Administrative Court examined the evidence, including the accident report, witness statements, and video footage. The court found that the testimony of the bus driver and passengers supported the claim that 阿榮 (A-Rong) had stopped abruptly after overtaking. The court also noted inconsistencies in 阿榮 (A-Rong)'s statements, and ruled that his account was not credible. The court ultimately upheld the original decision to fine him, and dismissed his appeal. The case can still be appealed.