The Fines for Traffic Offenses in Thailand 2025

What’s New in 2024

In 2024, the Thai police have placed a greater emphasis on road safety—a much-needed move, especially on Phuket, where the combination of high tourist volumes, constant hustle, and congested roads often leads to driver frustration. This proactive approach aims to make the island’s roads safer for everyone. Here are some key updates:

• Police Now Penalize Local Drivers: Unlike in previous years, Thai drivers are now being held accountable for traffic violations, leveling the playing field between locals and tourists.

• Subjective Penalties for Reckless Driving: Police officers can now issue fines if they believe you are driving too fast, chaotically, or dangerously—even without using a speed gun.

• Helmet and License Checks: In areas like Chalong and Phuket Town, it’s increasingly common for police to stop motorcyclists without helmets to check for proper licensing and issue fines.

• Seatbelt Enforcement: Police have started cracking down on drivers and passengers who fail to wear seatbelts, including those in back seats.

• Driver’s License Checks for Car Drivers: Officers are now routinely verifying driver’s licenses during traffic stops, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

• Breathalyzer Tests: Police are carrying breathalyzers more frequently, particularly at night, as part of their effort to reduce accidents caused by drunk driving.

• Speed Cameras Installed: Speed cameras have been introduced on major roads in Phuket to monitor and penalize speeding drivers automatically, adding an extra layer of enforcement.

• Surveillance Cameras Increased: A large number of traffic monitoring cameras have been installed throughout Phuket, closely monitoring road usage and ensuring safer traffic flow. These cameras are helping to track violations like speeding, running red lights, and reckless driving, and provide the police with valuable real-time information.

• Focus on Vehicle Modifications: Police and technical inspectors are paying close attention to illegal vehicle modifications, such as altered exhaust systems, loud mufflers, and non-compliant lighting.

• Improper License Plate Installation: Fines are now being issued for poorly mounted license plates, so ensure your vehicle meets the required standards.

• Loud Exhaust Fines: Revving your motorcycle unnecessarily, especially if it has a loud exhaust system, can now earn you a fine for noise disturbance.

These changes demonstrate the Thai authorities’ commitment to improving road safety and reducing traffic-related incidents. Always ensure your vehicle is compliant, follow traffic laws, and drive responsibly to avoid fines.

Offenses to be especially aware of in 2024

In 2024, the police have increased traffic controls and are strictly enforcing road safety rules. Here are the offenses that they are particularly focusing on:

• Driving against the flow of traffic: Previously, the police were lenient about driving against the flow of traffic, but now even Thai nationals are being penalized for this offense. Always ensure you are driving in the correct direction to avoid a fine.

• Parking in prohibited areas: Pay close attention to the color of the curb and the road signs, which indicate where parking is not allowed. Fines for violating parking rules are becoming more common.

• Unauthorized removal of a police lock: Removing a police lock (chain with a padlock) from a parked vehicle is considered a criminal offense for damaging government property. The penalty for this offense ranges from 5000 THB to several months in prison.

How to behave during a police stop?

When stopped by the police, it’s important to stay calm and follow these guidelines to avoid unnecessary complications:

• Stay calm: It's important not to panic and not let emotions take over.
• Be polite and smile: Always try to be courteous and maintain a positive attitude towards the police officer.
• Do not challenge the police officer's decision: Do not lie or try to evade responsibility. If you are fined, accept it respectfully.
• Respect the police: Maintain respect and avoid confrontation. Good behavior can help prevent further issues.

Important Information:

More and more police officers are using cameras, and cameras are also being deployed at control points to monitor traffic. Additionally, the "no gift" policy has been implemented, meaning giving bribes has become even riskier and could lead to serious consequences.

Fines for offenses typically range around 1000 THB, but they can also be lower, e.g., 500 THB, or higher, reaching up to 2000 THB. For more serious offenses, fines can range from 20,000 THB to 40,000 THB and even result in imprisonment. Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind that fines can increase significantly, especially in cases of aggressive behavior or disrespect towards officers.

Here is the updated tariff for some offenses:

Traffic violations	Fine from
Driving without a license	1,000฿
Illegally stopping in restricted areas	500฿
Using an unroadworthy vehicle	1000฿
Failing to stop for an emergency vehicle	1000฿
Parking on the bridge	500฿
Using a cell phone without auxiliary equipment	500฿
Driving without license plates	1000฿
Failing to comply with traffic signs on roadsides	1000฿
Driving on roadside pavements	500฿
Parking or leaving stalled vehicles to obstruct traffic	1000฿
Driving wrong-way	1000฿
Overtaking on the left (a practice known as undertaking)	500฿
Changing lane over solid white line	500฿
Contravening emissions regulations	1,000฿
Negligent or "scary" driving	1,000฿
Reckless driving	1,000฿
Driving against traffic	1,000฿
Driving without safety belts	1,000฿
Driving without helmet (each person)	1,000฿
Speeding	up to 5,000฿
Disobeying traffic lights	1,000฿
Run on the red light	1,000฿
Fail to stop at Zebra crossing	4,000฿
Gather to race, illegally modify their vehicles or participate in suspicious activities	5,000฿-10,000฿ +(up to three months in prison)
No regard for others' safety	5,000฿-20,000฿ + (up to one year in prison - usually not for tourist)
The first drunk driving offense	5,000฿-20,000฿ + (up to one year in prison - usually not for tourist)
Repeat drunk driving violations within two years of the first incident	50,000฿-100,000฿ + (up to two years in prison)

Speak Thai or Pretend You Cannot?

If you know even a few words in Thai, it can slightly affect the police officer’s decision and ease the punishment. Pretending that you do not understand a word in Thai or English and that you do not know why you’re getting a ticket does not work.

Final Thoughts

Driving a motorbike is a very convenient and fast means of transport in Thailand. It is a pleasure and gives you the freedom to travel around the island without restrictions. However, to avoid unnecessary costs and stress during a run-in with the police, it is worth learning about local laws and regulations.