TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A driver has been fined for unwittingly failing to yield to his own son and daughter at a crosswalk.
On Monday, the motorist's son surnamed Lee (李), shared a photo of a traffic infraction on Threads that occurred at 8:52 a.m., Dec. 28. In the caption above, Lee sarcastically wrote, “Got a ticket. Family portrait.”
In photos of the incident, a sedan can be seen driving through a crosswalk in front of Nangan Fuao Port Terminal Building in Lienchiang County's Nangan Township. However, the vehicle failed to yield to three pedestrians trying to walk across the zebra crossing.
On top of the image, Lee jokingly added a layer of text that read, "My dad happily received a NT$6,000 (US$182) fine for failing to yield to pedestrians. The pedestrians were me and my sister.”
Lee told ETtoday that he and his family were aware that there were traffic cameras in the area. At the time, he and his sister had gotten out of the car to catch a ferry across the street and had even reminded their father to be cautious.
However, after their father circled the block, he drove straight through the crosswalk in front of them, leading to a photo being taken and a fine issued. After receiving the ticket, his father was also scolded by his mother, said Lee.
Lienchiang County Police Bureau explained the area around Fuao Port Terminal Building serves as a major hub for regional public transportation. During peak maritime activity, which aligns with daily ferry schedules, the road in front of the terminal sees increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic, impacting traffic safety in the port area.
To address issues such as illegal parking, traffic cameras have been installed. Infractions subject to enforcement include illegal parking and vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians.
A three-month public awareness period was implemented before Nov. 30, and formal enforcement began on Dec. 1.
According to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act motorists driving near pedestrian crossings or other intersections legally designated for pedestrian use are required to stop and yield to pedestrians crossing, per China Times. Drivers who fail to do so are subject to a fine ranging from NT$1,200 to NT$6,000.
