The Royal Thai Police have reminded motorists and drivers to abide by the changes in the traffic law, effective Monday (5 Sept).
People are urged to familiarize themselves with the 13th Amendment to the Land Traffic Act, which imposes harsher traffic penalties. The new penalties under the amendment are as follows:
– A fine of up to 4,000 baht for speeding, running red lights or failing to stop at zebra crossings.
– A fine of up to 2,000 baht for driving against traffic or not wearing a helmet or seat belt.
– Up to one year in prison and/or a fine of 5,000 to 20,000 baht for driving without regard for the safety of others.
– Up to one year in prison and/or a fine ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 baht for the first offense of drunk driving. Repeat drunk driving violations within two years of the first incident will result in up to two years in prison and/or a 50,000-100,000 baht fine.
– Motorists who gather to race, illegally modify their vehicles or participate in suspicious activities will face up to three months in prison and/or a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 baht. Shops that illegally modify vehicles also face a two-thirds penalty. Race organizers and advertisers face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of 10,000 to 20,000 baht.
The amendment also requires all drivers and passengers in vehicles with safety belts installed, such as personal cars or vans, to fasten their safety belts. Pick-up truck drivers and front-seat passengers must wear their safety belts, while the truck bed can only carry a limited number of passengers. Safety belt violations may result in a fine of up to 2,000 baht.
The Royal Thai Police is also expected to finish reviewing the number of passengers for the truck bed and additional regulations to ensure transportation safety on December 4.
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