Over an extraordinary legislative session on Jan. 24, Taiwan''s lawmakers passed amendments for harsher penalties for drunk driving. The amendments came into effect Sunday following the president''s promulgation on Jan. 28. So if you''re thinking about drinking and driving over the holiday, think again.

According to the new law, first-time offenders without causing an accident are now subject to imprisonment up to three years and a maximum fine of NT$300,000. Prior to the amendment, the maximum sentence was two years, and the maximum fine was NT$200,000. Though the prison sentences for drunk drivers who caused fatal accidents or severe injuries have remained the same, the fines for these offenses have been raised. Those who cause severe injuries while driving under the influence will now be subject to a maximum fine of NT$1 million; NT$2 million if the drunk driving resulted in death. The revisions also doubled the prison sentence for repeat offenders, from five years to ten years. Repeat offenders can also see their names and photos published.