A reciprocal driver’s license agreement between Taiwan and Montana was inked earlier this month, marking the country’s 35th such pact with a U.S. state, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sept. 28.
Signed by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle on behalf of Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Motor Vehicle Division under Montana Department of Justice, the accord stipulates that legally certified drivers in Taiwan and the Treasure State can obtain licenses issued by either side without taking road skills tests, though written exams are still required. The changes are set to take effect Oct. 10.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA thanked Montana Governor Steve Bullock and the state’s Legislature for helping boost Taiwan-U.S. ties. The agreement will bring greater convenience to citizens of both sides and help deepen exchanges across a broad spectrum of areas, the ministry said, adding that it will continue working with MOTC to make similar arrangements with other countries and territories around the world.
According to the MOFA, more than 16,000 residents of Taiwan and U.S. states have benefited from reciprocal driver’s license agreements to date. These states include Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.
Taiwan has likewise concluded license pacts with Bahrain, Eswatini, Germany, Israel, Jordan, Poland, Saudi Arabia and nine provinces of South Africa. (YCH-E)
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