Traffic fines to increase from Monday

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In: South-East Asia

Penalty for speeding to rise four-fold to B4,000

People cross a pedestrian crossing at the Asoke intersection in Bangkok while a motorcyclist encroaches on the space, which is a violation of traffic rules. (File Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
People cross a pedestrian crossing at the Asoke intersection in Bangkok while a motorcyclist encroaches on the space, which is a violation of traffic rules. (File Photo: Apichart Jinakul)

Fines for traffic offences will increase, with penalties for speeding or failing to stop at pedestrian crossings rising four-fold to 4,000 baht, when the amended Land Traffic Act comes into force on Monday, Sept 5.

Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapat, the deputy national police chief and director of the traffic management centre, on Friday outlined the new penalties as follows:

  • Motorists convicted of drink driving will face a jail term of up to one year and/or a fine of 5,000 to 20,000 baht. If they repeat the same offence within two years, they will face a jail term of up to two years and/or a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 baht.
  • Fines for traffic law offenders will be increased from 1,000 baht to 4,000 baht for driving at speeds exceeding the legal limit, jumping red lights at intersections and failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing.
  • Fines for those who drive backwards, fail to wear crash helmets and safety belts will be increased to 2,000 baht from 500 baht.
  • Drivers convicted of driving without regard for the safety of others’ lives will face up to one year in jail and/or a fine of between 5,000 and 20,000 baht, compared with up to 3 months’ jail time and/or a fine of 2,000 to 10,000 baht at present.

The amended traffic law also imposes heavy penalties for street racers, organisers of street races and operators of shops that modify motorcycles for street racing.