Traffic Offense Points System

On January 16, 2002, the Traffic Offense Points System was implemented.

It is yet to be seen how strictly this law will be enforced in the rather unsystematic traffic law enforcement situation in Thailand, or the extent of inconvenience one endures in its legal procedure, or whether it affects holders of an International Driving Permit or a driver's license from a foreign country.

One thing is clear. To keep away from hassles, one needs to understand its target offenses. This page aims to introduce the outline of the Traffic Offense Points System.

• Driving a vehicle in a manner obstructing traffic.
• Driving on a walkway without justifiable reason.

• Recklessly passing on the shoulder of a road which is not considered a traffic-flow lane
• Passing another vehicle where signs prohibit passing, to include recklessly passing in a congested area, passing whilst going up a hill, approaching a bridge or curve in the road and within 30-metres of an intersection, roundabout or similar junction. Also included is passing another vehicle when visibility is impaired by heavy rain, fog, blowing sand or smoke, etc., limiting forward vision to less than 60-meters.
• Parking on the side of the road or on the edge of the road traveled by other vehicles without using emergency flasher or turning on signal lights during hours of limited visibility.
• Taxi drivers refusing to accept passengers.
• Taxi drivers depositing passengers on the road after refusing to complete the fare going to the destination agreed upon.

• Driving indecisively resulting in a traffic violation.
• Driving dangerously.
• Driving a vehicle in an abnormal manner or contrary to usual driving habits.
• Driving a vehicle without concern for the safety of others or endangering the lives of others.
• Driving over the lawful speed limit.

• Failure to stop behind the line at a red light signal or a stop sign (running red light signal or stop sign).
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance.
• Causing an accident injuring an individual or damaging personal property, not stopping to provide suitable assistance, not reporting the accident to police and fleeing the scene of the accident.
• Vehicles racing on the road.

Drivers who amass more than 60 demerit points in a year will have their licenses suspended for 90 days and face a fine or a jail term if caught driving during that time. Those caught driving while their licences have been suspended face a maximum fine of 2,000 Baht.

Under a new points system, drivers who commit traffic violations laid out in the Land Traffic Act of 1979 will be “awarded” between 10 and 40 penalty points for each offense. Those who accumulate more than 60 points will be fined and banned from driving for 90 days.