Traffic Fines in Thailand 2026: What Riders Pay in Phuket
Fines in force since 1 April 2026 for helmets, licences, speeding, red lights and drink-driving, plus how to behave at a police stop in Phuket.
What changed in 2026
Since 1 April 2026 Thai police have enforced a stricter fine schedule, after a warning-only period that ended on 31 March. Phuket, with its heavy tourist traffic and congested roads, sees a lot of checkpoints. Here is what riders notice most:
- Higher maximum fines. Speeding, running a red light and failing to stop at a zebra crossing can now cost up to 4,000 THB. Driving against traffic and riding without a helmet can cost up to 2,000 THB.
- Locals are fined too. Thai drivers are held to the same rules as tourists.
- Subjective penalties. An officer can fine you for riding too fast or dangerously even without a speed gun.
- Helmet and licence checks. Common around Chalong and Phuket Town. Carry your passport, home licence and International Driving Permit (IDP); missing any of them can mean an on-the-spot fine.
- Seatbelts. Enforced for the driver and for back-seat passengers.
- Breathalyser tests. More frequent, especially at night.
- Cameras. Speed cameras and traffic cameras cover the main roads and record speeding, red lights and reckless riding.
- Vehicle condition. Loud exhausts, non-standard lighting and badly mounted licence plates are fined.
Offences to watch
- Riding against the flow of traffic. Once tolerated, now fined, including Thai riders.
- Parking in prohibited areas. Check the kerb colour and signs.
- Removing a police lock. Taking a chain and padlock off a parked vehicle counts as damaging government property. Penalty from 5,000 THB up to several months in prison.
If the police stop you
- Stay calm and keep your documents ready.
- Be polite and smile.
- Don't argue the decision. Don't lie or dodge responsibility. If you are fined, accept it respectfully.
- Don't offer money. Police have a "no gift" policy and body cameras are more common, so a bribe attempt is risky. Ask for the official ticket and pay at the police station.
Fine tariff 2026
Checked on 2 November 2026. The legal maximums come from the Land Traffic Act as amended in 2022 (No. 13), which police have enforced strictly since 1 April 2026. The officer sets the actual amount up to that maximum, depending on the offence, the place and your record. Prison terms are rarely applied to tourists.
Main offences
| Offence | Maximum fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding | up to 4,000 ฿ | 1 |
| Running a red light | up to 4,000 ฿ | 2 |
| Not stopping for pedestrians at a zebra crossing | up to 4,000 ฿ | 1 |
| Riding against traffic (wrong way) | up to 2,000 ฿ | 2 |
| No helmet (rider and passenger, each) | up to 2,000 ฿ | 1 |
| No seatbelt (driver and every passenger) | up to 2,000 ฿ | 1 |
| Phone in hand while riding (no hands-free) | 400–1,000 ฿ (some reports: up to 4,000 ฿) | 1 |
| No valid licence for the vehicle | up to 1,000 ฿ + up to 1 month in prison | – |
| Ignoring traffic signs | up to 1,000 ฿ | – |
Points are deducted from a Thai driving licence, which starts with 12. At zero the licence is suspended for 90 days.
What Phuket checkpoints actually charge
Typical amounts reported by riders and local rental shops in 2025–2026. Pay at the roadside desk or the police station and keep the receipt: it usually covers you at other checkpoints the same day.
| Offence | Typical fine |
|---|---|
| No helmet | 400–2,000 ฿ |
| No motorcycle licence or no IDP | 500–2,000 ฿ |
| Licence left at the hotel | up to 2,000 ฿ |
| Parking at a red-and-white kerb | up to 2,000 ฿ |
| No tax / registration sticker on the bike | 500 ฿ |
Serious offences
| Offence | Penalty | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Drink-driving, first offence | 5,000–20,000 ฿ and/or up to 1 year in prison | 4 |
| Drink-driving, repeat within two years | 50,000–100,000 ฿ + up to 2 years in prison | 4 |
| Street racing | 5,000–10,000 ฿ and/or up to 3 months in prison | 4 |
| Reckless driving that endangers others | 5,000–20,000 ฿ and/or up to 1 year in prison | 3 |
| Riding while your licence is suspended | up to 10,000 ฿ and/or up to 3 months in prison | 2 |
| Removing a police wheel lock | from 5,000 ฿, possible prison | – |
Unpaid camera tickets can block the vehicle’s annual tax renewal.
Should you speak some Thai?
A few words of Thai and a polite attitude can soften an officer's decision. Pretending you don't understand why you are being fined does not work.
Final thoughts
A motorbike is a fast, convenient way to see Thailand and gives you freedom to explore the island. To avoid unnecessary costs and stress at a police stop, know the local rules. Every Phuket Garage rental comes with free roadside assistance and a full set of papers for the bike.