In This Article
Downloads & related guides
- Unpaid traffic fines and road tax: the 1 August 2026 rule — how the 30-day temporary document works and how to clear it at the DLT counter
- Driving without a licence or IDP in Thailand — the fine, and what it does to your insurance after a crash
- Drunk driving laws in Thailand — alcohol limits, checkpoints and penalties
Common Traffic Fines
Most of these amounts were raised by the 13th amendment to the Land Traffic Act, in force since 5 September 2022. On 1 April 2026 the police stopped issuing warnings for ten priority offences and started issuing fines. The figures are legal maximums; the amount on your ticket can be lower. Speeding: up to 4,000 THB. Running a red light: up to 4,000 THB. Not stopping for pedestrians at a zebra crossing: up to 4,000 THB. Using a phone while driving without a hands-free kit: up to 4,000 THB. Driving against the traffic: up to 2,000 THB, up from 500 THB. No helmet on a motorcycle: up to 2,000 THB, and it applies to the rider and the passenger. No seat belt: up to 2,000 THB, for the driver and every passenger. Driving without a licence, or without carrying it: up to 1,000 THB, and the law also allows up to 1 month in jail. Driving on an expired licence: up to 2,000 THB. Using a vehicle with no compulsory insurance (Por Ror Bor): up to 10,000 THB. Riding an unregistered vehicle on a public road, which covers most stand-up electric scooters: up to 10,000 THB.
Serious Offenses
Drink driving, first offence: a fine of 5,000 to 20,000 THB, up to 1 year in prison, or both, plus 4 demerit points. A repeat offence within two years: 50,000 to 100,000 THB and up to 2 years in prison. Driving without due regard for the safety of others (reckless driving) carries the same 5,000 to 20,000 THB fine and up to 1 year in prison. Driving while your licence is suspended: up to 10,000 THB. If a crash injures or kills someone, it becomes a criminal case that goes to court, and the penalties go well beyond any roadside ticket. At that point you need a lawyer, and you should contact your embassy.
The Demerit Point System
Every licence holder starts with 12 points. Each ticket for a listed offence takes points off: 1 for speeding, phone use, no helmet or no seat belt, 2 for running a red light, and 4 for drink driving. When you reach zero, your licence is suspended for 90 days. Driving during the suspension is a separate offence with a fine of up to 10,000 THB, up to 3 months in jail, or both.
Unpaid Fines Now Block Your Road Tax Disc
Since 1 August 2026, unpaid traffic tickets are linked to the vehicle's annual road tax. A ticket that goes unpaid first triggers a formal warning notice. If it is still unpaid, the record is sent to the DLT about 60 to 90 days after the ticket was issued. When you next renew, you can still pay the tax, but you get a temporary document valid for 30 days instead of the tax disc, and the disc is held back until every linked fine is paid. You can pay those fines at the DLT counter during the same visit. The rule only covers tickets issued from 1 August 2026, so older tickets are not part of it. Our guide to the rule, linked above, covers the details.
How the Fine System Works
If you are pulled over, the officer issues a ticket that states the offence and the amount. You can pay most fines on the spot or at the police station named on the ticket within the period it gives. Speed camera tickets are sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, so on a rental or a borrowed car the ticket goes to the owner first. Always get a receipt for any payment. We have found no official rule that ties unpaid traffic fines to visa extensions or to leaving the country. The consequence that is written into policy is the road-tax block above.
Tips for Dealing with Traffic Police
Stay calm and polite. Have your licence and vehicle documents ready. If you disagree with a fine, you can contest it at the police station — but arguing at the roadside is not productive. Never attempt to bribe an officer — this is a criminal offense. If you receive a ticket, pay it promptly to avoid complications. Keep receipts for all payments. If you are involved in a serious incident, contact your embassy and a lawyer.
Make sure you are properly licensed
The most important step before driving in Thailand is having a valid license. We handle the entire process for you.