Thailand Traffic Fines 2025 — Complete Guide for Expats & Tourists
All Thai traffic fines from the Traffic Act: red light 1,000 THB, drunk driving 5,000-20,000 THB, demerit points system, how to pay fines online, and what to do if you get a ticket.
- Late surcharge
- ฿0.00
- Total fine
- ฿1,000.00
- Maximum legal fine
- ฿1,000.00
- Demerit points
- 1.00
Results are estimates only
Thailand Traffic Fines — Complete Reference
Traffic fines in Thailand are governed by the Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (and amendments). Here’s a comprehensive guide for expats, digital nomads, and tourists who drive in Thailand.
Common Traffic Violations
| Offense | Fine (THB) | Maximum Fine | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running a red light | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1 |
| Speeding | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1 |
| Using phone while driving | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1 |
| No seatbelt | 500 | 500 | 1 |
| No helmet (motorcycle) | 500 | 500 | 1 |
| Illegal parking | 500 | 1,000 | 0 |
| Illegal U-turn | 500 | 1,000 | 1 |
| Driving the wrong way | 500 | 1,000 | 2 |
| Crossing double yellow line | 500 | 1,000 | 1 |
| Running a stop sign | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1 |
Serious Offenses
| Offense | Fine (THB) | Maximum Fine | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drunk driving | 5,000 | 20,000 | 4 |
| No driver’s license | 1,000 | 2,000 | 0 |
| Expired vehicle registration | 2,000 | 2,000 | 0 |
| No compulsory insurance (Por Ror Bor) | 800 | 800 | 0 |
| Street racing | 5,000 | 10,000 | 4 |
Note: Drunk driving can also result in imprisonment (up to 1 year), license suspension, and a criminal record.
Demerit Points System (Since 2023)
Every driver starts with 12 points per year:
- Each offense deducts points as shown above
- 0 points remaining = 90-day license suspension
- Points reset after the suspension period
- Check your remaining points via the DLT Smart Queue app
What This Means for Expats
If you hold a Thai driving license and lose all 12 points, your license is suspended for 90 days. You cannot drive during this period — doing so is an additional offense.
Late Payment Surcharge
If you don’t pay within 30 days of receiving a ticket:
| Months Late | Surcharge | Example (1,000 THB fine) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 1% | 1,010 THB |
| 3 months | 3% | 1,030 THB |
| 6 months | 6% | 1,060 THB |
| 12 months (max) | 12% | 1,120 THB |
Important: Outstanding fines prevent annual vehicle registration renewal (similar to a parking ticket in many countries blocking registration).
How to Pay Traffic Fines
Online Options
- Police Payment App (ตร.Pay+) — Scan the QR code on your ticket
- Website: ptm.police.go.th — Look up tickets by ID number
- Krungthai NEXT app — For bank transfer payment
- Counter Service at 7-Eleven — Show your ticket barcode
In Person
- Any police station (สถานีตำรวจ)
- Traffic Police Division headquarters (บก.จร.)
Tips for Expats Driving in Thailand
- Get a Thai license — Even with an IDP, a Thai license is easier for traffic stops
- Carry your license always — No license = 1,000 THB fine on the spot
- Don’t bribe — It’s illegal for both parties; just pay the official fine
- Dashcam recommended — Helps dispute unfair tickets
- Know speed limits — 80-90 km/h on highways, 50-60 km/h in cities
- Helmet always on motorcycles — Strictly enforced, 500 THB fine
- Never drink and drive — Thailand has random checkpoints, especially weekends/holidays
Related tools: Taxi Fare Calculator | Car Tax Calculator | Penalty Interest Calculator