Famed plastic surgeon Ni Zong-Heng, who was previously banned from driving after a 2016 DUI accident that left a woman seriously injured, has reportedly been caught driving without a license in Kaohsiung. Ni allegedly tried to fool police with a foreign driver’s license after being rear-ended, but authorities confirmed his license had been revoked. He now faces fines of up to NT$24,000 (approx. RM3,900) for driving without a valid license, plus an additional NT$12,000 (approx. RM1,950) penalty.
Ni’s 2016 DUI incident occurred on November 18, when he and a friend engaged in a street race at a traffic light. Ni’s car struck an oncoming woman, Chen, driving an Austin Mini, and a taxi. Chen suffered severe intracranial bleeding, and a Labrador in her car died on the spot. Ni fled the scene and subsequently had his driver’s license revoked.
On August 30 at 12:45 p.m., Ni was involved in a traffic accident at the intersection of Juemin Road and Yi Yong Road in Kaohsiung’s Sanmin District, when 28-year-old driver Gong rear-ended Ni’s car while changing lanes. Police confirmed neither driver was under the influence at the time.
Ni presented a foreign driver’s license and his national ID at the scene, but police later verified his revoked license status and issued a citation. Under Taiwan’s Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, driving after license revocation can result in fines ranging from NT$6,000 to NT$24,000 (approx. RM975 – RM3,900), with an added NT$12,000 (approx. RM1,950) in Ni’s case.
Authorities noted that Gong failed to maintain a safe following distance, violating traffic regulations, and could be fined between NT$600 and NT$1,200 (approx. RM97 – RM195). The Sanmin Second Precinct reminded the public that anyone with a revoked, suspended, or canceled license is prohibited from driving and will face severe penalties if caught.
