Taipei: Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has announced plans to enable a new category of three-wheeled scooters, featuring a fully enclosed cabin and a steering wheel-based steering system, to be driven on public roads. The announcement, made on Wednesday, specifies that drivers must possess at least a light vehicle license to operate these vehicles.

According to Focus Taiwan, the regulatory draft notice from the MOTC outlines that these vehicles will be issued scooter license plates and granted road rights comparable to light vehicles. However, they will not be permitted on national highways, freeways, and expressways. The ministry anticipates that the proposal could be implemented as early as the second half of 2026, following a 60-day public consultation period and subsequent legislative procedures.

The MOTC has released draft amendments to the road traffic safety regulations, allowing these vehicles to function on domestic roads. The rule changes would categorize enclosed-cabin scooters as scooters, aligning with vehicle classifications used in Europe and Japan. Furthermore, the driver qualification requirements would adopt Japan's model, as stated by the ministry.

Drivers who operate the vehicles with only a scooter license may incur fines ranging from NT$6,000 (US$190) to NT$12,000. Unlicensed driving could lead to penalties between NT$6,000 and NT$36,000. Additionally, the MOTC indicated that enclosed-cabin scooters would undergo new registration and periodic inspections similar to those for light vehicles. These inspections will include checks on heat-insulating window film, and drivers will be mandated to wear seat belts. Parking will be permissible in both light vehicle and scooter parking spaces.