The Thai government has asked police officers to intensify controls and punish more severely. The sums are still not very important but for a Thai it represents a lot of money.
New road traffic rules in Thailand: what tourists need to know
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In order to improve road safety and reduce accidents, Thailand has strengthened, as of April 1, 2026, certain provisions of the Thailand Road Traffic Act (Amendment No. 13). Several offences are now subject to higher fines.
Foreign visitors, especially those who rent a car or motorcycle, are encouraged to strictly respect these rules.
OFFENCES AND NEW FINES
The amounts have been significantly revised upwards to encourage more prudent behaviour:
- Non-wearing of helmet (motorcycle) or seat belt (car): up to 2,000 THB
- Driving under the influence of alcohol: up to 1 year in prison and/or a fine of 5,000 to 20,000 THB
- Speeding: up to 4,000 THB
- Non-compliance with a traffic light: up to 4,000 THB
- Failure to respect pedestrian priority on a pedestrian crossing: up to 4,000 THB
- Counter-direction driving: up to 2,000 THB
SPEED LIMITS
The maximum authorised speed depends on the type of vehicle:
- Cars (4 wheels): 110 km/h maximum
- Motorcycles: 80 km/h maximum
- Motorcycles of 400 cc and more: 100 km/h maximum
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Driver’s license: drivers must be in possession of a valid national driver’s license accompanied by an international driver’s license.
- ATTENTION: The driving of motorised 2 wheels WHATEVER THE DISPLACEMENT requires MANDATORY the possession of a motorcycle license in your country of origin (for France it is the A license! The permit For 125 is not recognised here).
- Penalties: driving without a valid license or with an expired, suspended or withdrawn license can result in a fine of up to 2,000 THB.
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