Taiwan smoking law in plain language
Where smoking is banned, what the fines are, and how designated areas work. The official text and the authorities' interpretation apply.
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Contents
Contents
Fines
| Who | When | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| The smoker | Smoking where it is banned (Art. 40(2)) | NT$2,000–NT$10,000 |
| The person in charge of the place | Missing no-smoking signs, not stopping smoking, etc. (Art. 40) | Up to NT$50,000 |
Smoking where it is prohibited can be fined NT$2,000–10,000 under Article 40(2) of Taiwan's Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. The current text was promulgated on 2023-02-15 and took effect on 2023-03-22.
Where smoking is banned entirely
No smoking anywhere in these places (Art. 18; common examples — see the Act for the full list):
- Schools at every level (including universities), kindergartens and childcare centres
- Hospitals, nursing and long-term care facilities
- Indoor areas of government agencies and state-owned enterprises
- Public transport, taxis, stations and waiting rooms
- Indoor public places such as restaurants, malls, hotels, cinemas, indoor sports venues, banks and post offices
- Bars and nightclubs: only in an indoor smoking room with its own air conditioning and partition
Only in designated smoking areas
In some places (Art. 19, such as some outdoor sports venues and the outdoor areas of senior care facilities) you may smoke only in a designated smoking area. Cities and counties can also designate extra no-smoking places based on ventilation, crowds and how long people stay — for example some sidewalks, areas near schools, night markets and arcades. Follow the signs on site.
How designated areas work
- No-smoking places must post clear signs at every entrance and may not provide ashtrays or other smoking items.
- An outdoor smoking area must be clearly marked, may not exceed half of the place's outdoor area, and may not be on a route people must pass through.
- Local health bureaus inspect no-smoking places and smoking areas regularly.
To find legal designated areas, see smoking areas by city and local rules by city.
Other rules
- No smoking under age 20.
- E-cigarettes and similar products are banned outright; using them is also fined.
Sources
- Laws & Regulations Database — Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act
- Ministry of Health and Welfare — notes on the amended Act (in force 22 Mar 2023)
- Health Promotion Administration (tobacco control)
Smoking harms your health. Quitline 0800-636-363 (toll-free).
Abroad
Rules differ by country, and some are stricter than Taiwan's. When you travel, follow local signs and official guidance.
South Korea
Official: Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare: Nosmoke Guide122 smoking areas in South KoreaSingapore
Official: Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA): Smoking Prohibition70 smoking areas in SingaporeThailand
Official: Thailand Department of Disease Control: Tobacco Products Control Committee office28 smoking areas in ThailandMalaysia
Official: Malaysia Ministry of Health: Act 852 enforcement FAQ (Malay, PDF)15 smoking areas in MalaysiaVietnam
Official: Vietnam Ministry of Health — Disease Prevention Fund (tobacco control)5 smoking areas in VietnamSmoking-area locations come from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors); for reference only.