Thai Driving Licence
Insurance and other legal requirements.
If you are an expat or a tourist who wants to drive or ride a motorbike in Thailand, you need to make sure that you have a valid Thai driving licence or IDP and adequate insurance coverage in the event of an accident and the need for hospital or medical treatment. Driving or riding without a licence or insurance can expose you to serious legal and financial risks, as well as endanger your life and the lives of others. In this article, we will discuss the law with regards to the requirement for a Thai driving licence, or IDP, the penalties under law that the police or court could impose for not having a Thai driving licence, or IDP, no insurance in Thailand, for not wearing a helmet and remind drivers that it is unlawful in Thai law to ride a motor bike with no shirt on. We will also provide some practical tips on how to apply for a Thai driving licence or convert your foreign driving licence to a Thai one.
Driving licences in Thailand
The Law
Thai Driving Licence
According to the Land Transport Act B.E. 2522 (1979), anyone who drives a motor vehicle on public roads in Thailand must have a Thai driving licence issued by the Department of Land Transport (DLT) or an international driving permit (IDP) issued by their home country. An IDP is only valid for up to 90 days from the date of entry into Thailand, after which you must apply for a Thai driving licence. A foreign driving licence without an IDP is not recognized in Thailand.
The DLT issues two types of Thai driving licence: a temporary one valid for two years and a permanent one valid for five years. To apply for a Thai driving licence, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid non-immigrant visa (or in some cases, a tourist visa), and be in good physical and mental health. You also need to provide the following documents:
– Original passport and photocopies of the photo page, visa page, entry stamp,
– Original driving licence from your home country and photocopy (if it is not in English, it must be translated by an authorized translator)
– Residence certificate issued by the immigration office, your embassy, or your employer, or a yellow house book if you have one.
– Medical certificate from a clinic or hospital
– Application form
You can apply for both a car and a motorcycle or Thai driving licence at the same time, but you need two sets of documents. You also need to pass a physical test, a theory test, and a practical driving test at the DLT office. The tests are usually conducted in Thai, but some offices may offer them in English or other languages. You can also take a driving course at an accredited driving school to prepare for the tests.
If you already have an IDP or a foreign driving licence, you may be exempted from the physical test and the practical driving test, but you still need to take the theory test. The theory test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions on traffic rules and road signs, and you need to score at least 45 out of 50 to pass. You can find some sample questions online or download an app to practice.
Once you pass the tests, you will receive your temporary Thai driving licence, which you can use to drive legally in Thailand and 10 other ASEAN countries. You can also apply for an IDP with your Thai driving licence if you plan to drive abroad. After one year, you can renew your temporary licence for another year. After two years, you can apply for a permanent licence without taking any tests.
**The penalties for driving without a licence or insurance in Thailand**
Driving without a licence or insurance in Thailand is a serious offence that can result in fines, imprisonment, or both. According to the Land Transport Act B.E. 2522 (1979), the penalties are as follows:
– Driving without a Thai driving licence or IDP: A fine of up to 1,000 baht or imprisonment of up to one month, or both
– Driving with an expired licence: A fine of up to 1,000 baht
– Driving with a suspended or revoked licence: A fine of up to 2,000 baht or imprisonment of up to two months, or both
– Driving without insurance: A fine of up to 10,000 baht
In addition, if you are involved in an accident while driving without a licence or insurance, you may be liable for civil damages and criminal charges, depending on the severity of the injury or damage caused. You may also be denied compensation from your own insurance company or the government’s Road Accident Victims Protection Fund.
**Other traffic rules and regulations in Thailand**
Apart from having a valid Thai driving licence or IDP and insurance, there are other traffic rules and regulations that you need to follow when driving or riding in Thailand. Some of them are:
– Drive on the left side of the road
– Wear a seat belt when driving a car and a helmet when riding a motorbike
– Do not drink and drive or use drugs and drive
– Do not use a mobile phone or other devices while driving
– Obey the speed limits and traffic signs
– Give way to pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles
– Do not drive or park on sidewalks, footpaths, or zebra crossings
– Do not ride a motorbike with no shirt on
Violating any of these rules can result in fines, demerit points, or licence suspension or revocation. The police have the authority to stop and check your driving licence, insurance, and vehicle registration at any time. They can also issue on-the-spot fines or tickets that you need to pay at the nearest police station or DLT office within seven days. If you fail to pay the fine or contest the ticket, you may face legal action or arrest.
**Conclusion**
Driving or riding in Thailand can be a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the country, but it also comes with responsibilities and risks. To avoid legal troubles and ensure your safety and the safety of others, you need to have a valid Thai driving licence or IDP and insurance in Thailand. You also need to follow the traffic rules and regulations and drive with care and caution.
We hope that this article provides some insight and information useful to tourists and expats alike.
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