Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-Cheng attended the "Ride Certified, Quiet Taoyuan" press conference this afternoon (23rd) alongside Meng-Yu Cai, Director of Atmospheric Environment at the Ministry of Environment, and Tsai-Chu Wang, Deputy Chief Engineer of the Highway Bureau, from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. They were joined by representatives from 12 motorcycle dealerships and businesses across Taoyuan. Together, they signed a commitment to endorse the use of either original or certified exhaust pipes, with approximately 1,300 motorcycle dealerships and two-wheel part manufacturers backing the initiative. The conference announced that, starting from September 22nd, Taoyuan City will be implementing round-the-clock regulation against the use of uncertified exhaust pipes that cause noise disturbances. Violators found with illegal modifications will be penalized, with fines ranging from NT$ 3,000 to NT$ 30,000. To enhance enforcement, the city has integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for detection, ensuring vehicles with unauthorized exhaust modifications are promptly identified, ensuring tranquility for its residents.
Taoyuan's Mayor, Chang San-Cheng, highlighted the ongoing noise disturbance caused by vehicles with modified exhaust systems. To combat this, the city government initiated the "Quiet Taoyuan Project" in June. This major enforcement campaign collaborates across departments in Taoyuan - including the Department of Environmental Protection, the Police Department, the Department of Economic Development, and the Transportation Supervisory Unit. Since its launch, complaints and reports related to noise disturbances have decreased by 11%. The project's success has been recognized, with other municipalities either following Taoyuan's lead or partnering with the city in joint inspections, showcasing cross-regional collaboration to tackle the issue of noisy modified vehicles. Leading the nation, Taoyuan proposed legislative amendments to regulate the source of noise from modified vehicles. With the backing of the Executive Yuan, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation jointly promote the "Exhaust Modification Certification System." With support from both central and local governments and public consensus, Mayor Chang expressed confidence in completing the legislative amendments by the end of the year. Once in place, the management mechanism for vehicles with modified noise will be more comprehensive, focusing on efficient source control rather than relying heavily on extensive manual inspections.
Mayor of Taoyuan, Chang San-Cheng, urges residents to utilize original or certified exhaust systems. Dealerships and manufacturers are encouraged to supply components that have passed noise inspections for replacements or repairs. This approach ensures residents can confidently use their vehicles without fear of penalties due to unauthorized modifications. Additionally, businesses can legally sell their products, fostering positive growth in the modification parts industry while aligning with source control policies.
Shi-Wei Chen, the Director General of the Department of Environmental Protection, clarified that as of September 22nd, the city has enforced Article 8 of the Noise Control Act. It stipulates that "vehicles in the city's noise control zones are prohibited from using exhaust systems that haven't been approved by the relevant authority and cause disturbances to the peace of others throughout the day." A stringent penalty system is in place for vehicles with noisy modifications. From the announcement date of September 22nd, vehicles in Taoyuan found using uncertified exhaust systems at any time, if inspected or reported for causing disturbances, will be prosecuted with fines ranging from NT$ 3,000 to NT$ 30,000. Those who do not comply will face repeated penalties.
Director General Shi-Wei Chen also highlighted the "Quiet Taoyuan Project" integration of 13 sets of "Modified Exhaust AI Detection Equipment". This AI-driven technology replaces manual inspections, identifying vehicles with modified exhaust systems and subsequently issuing notices for inspection. The equipment is strategically placed at high-complaint areas and can be moved to different inspection points. In the future, this system will leverage big data analytics to enhance the precision of tech-driven enforcement, addressing both vehicle exhaust pollution and noise from modifications.
Today's event saw the participation of various dignitaries, including Taoyuan's Mayor Chang San-Cheng, Deputy Mayor Chun-Bin Su, Meng-Yu Tsai, Director of Atmospheric Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Tsai-Chu Wang, Deputy Chief Engineer of the Highway Bureau, from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Chi-Chuan Wu, Director of the Hsinchu Motor Vehicles Office, city council member Hsiao-Yun Chang, Police Chief Kun-Hsu Wu, Chief of the Department of Public Information Chu-Tung Lo, Director of the Department of Legal Affairs Mi-Ting Lai, Special Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development Hsin-Chieh Chiang, Chairman of the Taoyuan Motorcycle Business Association Tung-Min Tsai, Deputy Chairman of the Motorcycle Accessories Association Hui-En Yu, among other representatives from 12 sub-committees.