The Royal Thai Police will postpone the implementation of new traffic fines for three months, saying additional time was needed to publicize the new fine rates.
According to Pol Gen Preecha Charoensahayanon, Deputy Director of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Traffic Operations Center, the RTP will delay the actual enforcement of the new revised Land Traffic Act, which was endorsed on September 5, for three months to allow the general public time to familiarize themselves with the new laws.
The deputy director explained that during the three-month transition phase, police will issue tickets with fines equivalent to the previous traffic rule and a warning that the following fines will be significantly higher. The amended law, for example, carries fines of up to 4,000 baht for running a red light or exceeding the speed limit, but officers will issue tickets of no more than 500 baht, along with a warning about the newly amended law.
According to the new traffic law, motorists convicted of drunk driving face up to a year in prison and/or a fine of 5,000 to 20,000 baht. If they commit the offense again within two years, they will face up to two years in prison and/or a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 baht. Pol Gen Preecha clarified that records of those convicted of drunk driving prior to September 5 will not be applicable to the new fine rates and that the regulations will only apply to crimes and offenses committed after September 5.
Pol Gen Preecha also assured that officers will issue tickets through the Police Ticket Management (PTM) database, which determines fine rates mandated by the RTP, thereby supporting the same rates nationwide. He also urged the general public to acquaint themselves with the new laws and follow the rules to avoid traffic accidents and ensure public safety. (NNT)
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