The "Pingtung County Mountain Climbing Activity Management Self-Government Ordinance" and the "Pingtung County Private Sector Large-Scale Gathering Event Safety Management Self-Government Ordinance" have been officially enacted. In the future, those entering the designated controlled mountain areas in Pingtung County for hiking must comply with relevant regulations. Violators who are involved in accidents may be required to cover the full cost of search and rescue operations. Additionally, large-scale events with over 1,000 participants lasting two hours or more must be reported in advance.
No Application Filed? Mountain Accident Victims Must Pay Rescue Costs
In recent years, hiking has become increasingly popular, with occasional accidents occurring that require substantial manpower and resources for rescue efforts—wasting national resources and putting rescuers in dangerous situations. Given the abundance of hiking trails within Pingtung County, the county government began planning and formulating the "Pingtung County Mountain Climbing Activity Management Self-Government Ordinance" two years ago as a preventive measure and to conserve disaster relief resources.
The ordinance officially came into effect on May 28. In the future, those entering the designated controlled mountain areas in Pingtung County for hiking must carry GPS devices, communication equipment, be led by a team leader, have insurance coverage, and follow a planned hiking itinerary. Violators may be fined between NT$3,000 and NT$50,000. In the event of a mountain accident caused by a violation of the ordinance, the responsible party may also be required to pay the full cost of the rescue operation as stipulated.
Large Events with 1,000+ Attendees Must Submit Safety Plans
To strengthen safety measures for large-scale events and prevent public safety incidents, the "Pingtung County Private Sector Large-Scale Gathering Event Safety Management Self-Government Ordinance" requires that any large-scale event within Pingtung County involving over 1,000 participants and lasting two hours or more—including “for-profit commercial activities” such as concerts, music festivals, performing arts, and parties, as well as “fixed-location fireworks displays”—must have the organizing entity submit a public safety maintenance plan to the county government at least 60 days prior to the event.
The submitted plan should include details on venue safety measures, accident liability insurance, traffic control, evacuation and disaster rescue routes, staff training and task assignments, emergency medical services, etc. Violations may result in fines ranging from NT$50,000 to NT$100,000, and authorities may order the suspension or termination of the event if necessary. Religious, folk, deity parade, and election campaign events are exempt from these requirements.