In recent years, noise pollution caused by vehicle exhaust systems has been a growing concern among residents. To foster a livable environment, strengthen source noise control, and protect the quality of life, Taoyuan City Deputy Mayor Su Chun-Pin proposed a legislative amendment during an Executive Yuan meeting in 2023. Subsequently, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications established the “Certification Management Regulations for Replacement Muffler Systems of Motor Vehicles” on December 29, 2023, and amended the “Regulations Governing Road Traffic Safety” on January 18, 2024. These measures aim to integrate national source control laws with stringent local enforcement, achieving effective regulation from the source to the end of the compliance chain.
According to Director-General Chen Shih-Wei of the Department of Environmental Protection (TYDEP) of the Taoyuan City Government, during the transition period from January 1 to December 31, 2024, motorcycle exhaust certification was implemented with two free-of-charge inspection opportunities for vehicle owners. During this period, 153 inspection sessions were conducted, with 4,139 vehicles inspected. Of these, 3,690 successfully passed certification.
Starting January 1, 2025, owners of motorcycles who fail to complete online registration or whose modifications do not pass certification must independently pay for noise testing through six government-approved noise laboratories. These laboratories, authorized by the Ministry of Environment, will provide noise inspections at the owners’ expense. Upon passing the inspection, owners must register the exhaust modification with a local motor vehicles office, paying a fee of NT$200 for a vehicle inspection record update. Only then will the modified exhaust system be legally recognized.
From this year (2025) onward, modified motorcycle exhaust systems are included as a regular inspection item. Vehicles without certified exhaust systems or unregistered modifications will face stricter enforcement. Inspections conducted by joint task forces of environmental, police, and supervision authorities will impose fines ranging from NT$900 to NT$1,800 under the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act. Additional fines under the Noise Control Act may range from NT$3,000 to NT$30,000 for noise violations. The total fine for multiple violations can reach a maximum of NT$31,800. Owners are strongly advised to comply with regulations to avoid severe penalties.
The TYDEP reminds vehicle owners that completing the certification and registration process allows the legal use of modified exhaust systems. However, improper driving behavior, further unauthorized modifications, poor vehicle maintenance, or damage to the exhaust system may result in excessive noise emissions. It is important to note that even certified exhaust systems may be subject to penalties under the Noise Control Act if found to violate noise standards.