Forklift drives onto Taichung road traffic, police confirm violation fine up to 9,000 NTD

A video that has recently circulated widely on social media platforms shows a forklift being driven directly in a traffic lane on a road in Taichung City, amidst bustling traffic. The scene appears highly unusual and poses significant safety hazards. After spreading online, the incident sparked discussions among citizens and once again raised public awareness regarding the legality and road safety of non-standard motorized machinery. In response to such violations, Taichung police promptly investigated the matter upon receiving the relevant information and issued a public statement, emphasizing that forklifts are classified as motorized machinery rather than regular automobiles. If they need to be operated on general roads, they must strictly follow legal regulations to apply for and obtain a temporary pass; otherwise, they will be penalized and fined in accordance with the law.

According to current road traffic safety rules and related regulations, forklifts are legally categorized as motorized machinery. They are originally designed for cargo handling and stacking within closed or semi-closed environments such as factories, warehouses, logistics centers, or ports, and do not possess the complete safety inspections, suspension, and lighting equipment required for regular vehicles on public roads. Therefore, forklifts are prohibited from entering general roads at will. If it is genuinely necessary to operate a forklift on a road due to construction, factory relocation, or other special needs, the operating unit or owner must first apply for and obtain a legal temporary pass from the local highway or police authorities, and may only move the vehicle over short distances within specified times and routes while preparing necessary safety protection measures.

After reviewing the widely circulated online video, Taichung police pointed out that driving a forklift onto general roads without applying for a temporary pass as required violates the provisions of the Road Traffic Management Punishment Act. Under current regulations, police can impose fines ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$9,000 for such violations and prohibit the vehicle from continuing to operate on the spot. The police also urged factory managers, warehouse operators, and construction contractors not to take risks and drive forklifts directly on roads for the sake of operational convenience or to save transportation costs. Such actions not only result in substantial financial penalties but may also lead to irreversible, major traffic accidents amidst the flow of traffic.

From a traffic safety perspective, the reason why forklifts operating on roads are subject to strict regulation and enforcement is primarily due to the significant differences in their mechanical structure compared to regular vehicles. Forklifts typically feature front-mounted heavy-duty forks and a body design with concentrated weight in the rear to maintain balance, and the driver's field of vision in most models is restricted by the front cargo or mast structure. In addition, forklifts generally have slower maximum speeds, and their steering mechanism differs from standard steering wheels, often utilizing rear-wheel steering. When operated on general roads with higher speeds and heavy traffic, they are extremely prone to rear-end collisions, side-swiping, and other accidents caused by insufficient braking distance, large steering blind spots, or incompatible dynamics. Once involved in a collision with a motorcycle or pedestrian, the rigid steel body of a forklift, lacking shock-absorbing design, often results in severe casualties.

To curb the continued occurrence of such violations and safeguard the safety of all road users, Taichung police stated that they will further strengthen patrols and inspections around industrial zones, logistics hubs, and road sections prone to violations within their jurisdiction. The police also appealed to citizens that if they spot similar motorized machinery illegally operating on roads in their daily lives, they should maintain awareness of their own driving safety and keep an appropriate distance, while also reporting the incidents to the police or competent authorities through relevant channels. This allows law enforcement units to intervene and crack down in a timely manner, jointly creating a safe, smooth, and orderly road traffic environment.