Lunar New Year Traffic Alert: High-Occupancy Vehicle Controls in Place as Northbound Traffic Peaks

With the 9-day Lunar New Year holiday approaching, Taiwan’s Directorate General of Highways (DGH) has warned that traffic volume will increase significantly during the latter part of the break, particularly on the third and fourth days of the holiday, which are expected to be peak northbound travel days.

根据高公局预估，国道北向交通量将达到 72 到 78 百万延车公里，大约是平日的 1.6 倍。国道 5 号 北向车流更是从 初二一路塞到初五，其中 初五最为拥挤。

为了避免严重塞车，高公局宣布，春节期间将在多条国道北向路段实施高乘载管制，提醒用路人提前规划行程。

DGH stated that National Freeways No. 1 and No. 3 will enforce HOV controls on northbound lanes during the afternoons of the third and fourth days, while National Freeway No. 5 will implement HOV restrictions for four consecutive days from the second to the fifth day. The controls will apply daily from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., allowing only vehicles carrying three or more passengers or those meeting specific criteria to enter.

Motorists who do not meet HOV requirements are advised to take alternative routes or adjust travel times to avoid peak hours. DGH has also enhanced signage near interchanges and ramps to clearly display restriction details and assist drivers in making informed decisions.

Drivers are encouraged to cooperate with on-site inspections by lowering windows in advance to speed up traffic flow. With heavy traffic expected throughout the holiday, DGH advises motorists to monitor real-time traffic conditions, follow posted signs, and use navigation tools to ensure a smoother journey.