Taiwan has a number of attractions and places for visitors to enjoy. You might want to take a trip to Taroko National Park to see the Taroko Gorge, or spend some time exploring Longshand Temple, The National Palace Museum, or the Chimei Museum.
Renting a vehicle in Taiwan
You will likely find that renting a vehicle can be a speedier and more cost effective way to get to all of the places you want to visit. The minimum driving age in Taiwan is currently 18 years old, but the rental companies may have their own age requirements when you are renting a vehicle. Travelers who have international driver’s licenses are able to rent and drive cars in Taiwan. Make sure you get insurance when you rent your vehicle, as well as the contact number of the rental agency.
Road conditions and safety
Overall, the road conditions within the major metropolitan areas are quite good, and you shouldn’t have any issues with potholes. However, once you move beyond the cities, the roads tend to diminish in quality. It can make for a bit of rougher driving.
One of the most important traffic laws to remember when you are in Taiwan is that you are not supposed to turn right on red. The only exception to this rule is if a police officer tells you to make the turn.
Driving in Taiwan can actually be very difficult, and in some cases dangerous. This is mainly due to the fact that there is very little order when it comes to the traffic laws. Many of the residents tend to disobey the traffic laws entirely in many areas. In Taipei, however, the traffic laws are strictly enforced, and you will find driving to be a much more pleasant experience. When you are on the roads, you should pay careful attention to the scooters. There are a large number of them, and they will often weave between cars while driving, and this has the potential to cause an accident.
It is very important that you check both of your mirrors before you make any turned. The resident drivers will often pass on the left of a vehicle that is turning left and on the right of a vehicle that is turning right. Ultimately, you need to pay careful attention to all of your surroundings when you are driving in Taiwan, and you need to be ready for the drivers to do something completely unexpected.
In Taiwan, the slow lanes are separated from the fast lanes by a single solid white line. You drive on the right side of the road and all of the people in the vehicle need to wear seatbelts. Because the traffic is so hectic in locations, you may want to rent a driver as well as a car.
The Speed Limits
Although you will find that many people in Taiwan break the laws, including the speed limit, you need to obey them or else you will end up getting a ticket. The speed limits in Taiwan are as follows.
- When approaching a railroad crossing - 15 km/h
- On roads that do not have lane markings or slow lanes – 40 km/h
- On other roads and lanes – 50 km/h
- On highways 100 km/h is the typical speed, but always follow the signs
Taiwan is a great place to experience, whether you rent a vehicle, hire a driver, or even take public transportation.
