Project Overview
To address the issues of illegal vehicle modifications causing street racing and noise disturbances, the Taoyuan City Government launched a cross-departmental joint enforcement initiative. The Department of Environmental Protection, Police Department, and the Department of Economic Development formed an integrated inspection and enforcement team in collaboration with traffic regulatory agencies to implement the “Silent Taoyuan Project.” The initiative focuses on approximately 50 noise complaint hotspots across the city and 120 vehicle modification workshops, intensifying regulatory inspections. By enhancing four major control measures—namely, Environmental, Police, and Traffic Joint Inspections and Spot Checks; Sound-Based Photo Enforcement; Complaint-Based Reporting and Notification for Investigation; and Source Investigation and Guidance for Modifications—the project aims to improve enforcement effectiveness, curb noise pollution from modified vehicles, and safeguard the quality of life and environmental tranquility for residents.
(1) Environmental, Police, and Traffic Joint Inspections and Spot Checks
The initiative conducts three to four inspections weekly during nighttime hours, targeting road sections frequently reported by residents for modified vehicle activity. The Police Department stops vehicles for inspection, while the Department of Environmental Protection conducts on-site noise testing. Violations exceeding the noise limit incur fines ranging from NT$1,800 to NT$3,600 and require mandatory improvements within a specified period. Failure to comply by the deadline results in additional fines for each subsequent offense. This “immediate stop, immediate test, immediate fine” approach is designed to serve as a strong deterrent.
(2) Sound-Based Photo Enforcement
Three to four enforcement operations per week are conducted during nighttime hours, deploying advanced noise detection and photographic enforcement equipment at road sections frequently reported by residents for modified vehicle activity. The setup includes noise meters, anemometers, fisheye cameras, and license plate recognition cameras. Vehicles detected with noise levels exceeding the legal limit are immediately photographed and reported for violation. Offenders are fined between NT$1,800 and NT$3,600.
(3) Complaint-Based Reporting and Notification for Investigation
Citizens can report “noisy vehicles” through the Environmental Protection Administration's noise complaint website. Additionally, during routine patrols, road checks, and enforcement against dangerous or drunk driving, the Police Department proactively stops vehicles suspected of noise violations due to modifications. After gathering evidence, the police submit relevant data for preliminary review and forward it to the Department of Environmental Protection for official notification.
The Department of Environmental Protection verifies each complaint or report and notifies the owner of the reported vehicle to undergo a noise inspection at a designated time and location. If the owner fails to appear for inspection within the specified period or if the vehicle fails the inspection, a fine ranging from NT$1,800 to NT$3,600 will be imposed. The owner will also be required to make improvements within a specified timeframe, with additional fines issued for repeated non-compliance.
(4) Source Investigation and Guidance for Modifications
A joint inspection and advisory team, comprising the Department of Economic Development , the Department of Environmental Protection, and Police Department, conducts thorough inspections of 120 registered vehicle modification businesses. The team reviews business registrations, collects evidence of on-site vehicle modifications, and issues notifications for vehicles to undergo inspection. Additionally, the initiative provides guidance to ensure the lawful operation of automotive and motorcycle businesses and promotes awareness of vehicle noise control regulations. By addressing the issue at its source, this operation aims to reduce noise pollution caused by modified vehicles.
2. Implementation Benefits
(1) Environmental, Police, and Traffic Joint Inspections and Spot Checks
- Increase in Noise Violation Citations by 1.43 Times
From June to December 2023 (post-implementation of the Quiet Taoyuan Project), 2,559 cases were inspected, with 1,398 noise violations cited (200 cases per month), resulting in a citation rate of 54.6% and fines totaling NT$3,204,900.
In May 2023 (prior to the project's implementation), 261 cases were inspected, with 139 noise violations cited, resulting in a citation rate of 53.3% and fines totaling NT$315,000. - Tracing to Modification Sources for 66 Shops.
- Supervisory Stations Cited 89 Illegally Modified Vehicles.
(2) Sound-Based Photo Enforcement
- Citations Increased by 2.37 Times Compared to 2022
In 2023 (January to December), 644 noise violations were cited, with fines totaling NT$1,578,600.
In 2022, 272 noise violations were cited, with fines totaling NT$614,700.
In 2021, 89 noise violations were cited, with fines totaling NT$198,900. - 360 Suspected Illegal Exhaust Modifications Notified for Inspection.
(3) Complaint-Based Reporting and Notification for Investigation
- 23.5% Decrease in Verified Cases from Complaints
From June to December 2023 (post-implementation of the Quiet Taoyuan Project), 2,620 complaints were filed, with 2,005 verified cases (286 per month).
In May 2023 (prior to the project's implementation), 434 complaints were filed, with 374 verified cases. - 1.52 Times Growth in Referral Cases
From June to December 2023 (post-implementation of the Quiet Taoyuan Project), the Police Department referred 10,075 cases to the Department of Environmental Protection (1,439 per month).
In May 2023 (prior to the project's implementation), the Police Department referred 948 cases to the Department of Environmental Protection.
(4) Source Investigation and Guidance for Modifications
- Inspected and Guided 231 Vehicle Modification Shops.
- Five Shops Without Commercial Registration Found by the Department of Economic Development, Fined Under the Commercial Registration Act.
- The Department of Environmental Protection Identified 44 Vehicles Undergoing On-Site Modifications and Issued Notifications for Inspection.