More than 500 motorists were deducted points on the first day of a new national driving system, police announced today.
A total of 540 people lost points for violating traffic rules, according to police spokesperson Maj. Gen. Achayon Kraithong, with the most common infractions being expired tags (233), invalid license plates (81), and speeding (63).
The point-based driving system was introduced Monday, and law enforcement is eager to show that they actually mean it. Time will tell whether it will be enforced and make a difference on the kingdom’s notoriously unsafe roads.
Under the system, each driver starts with 12 points and can lose one to four for offenses ranging from texting behind the wheel to reckless driving.
How to lose (and regain) points under Thailand’s new driving scheme
Here are some of the ways drivers can lose points:
One point: using a phone while driving, not wearing helmets or seatbelts, speeding, not waiting for pedestrians to cross, or not making way for ambulances.
Two points: running red lights and driving the wrong way. Three points: Getting into an accident because of exhaustion/impairment.
Four points: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illegal street racing, and endangering others through recklessness.
Fall to zero points and lose your license for 90 days. Zero-point drivers can regain their honor – and all 12 points – by taking and passing a course at the Land Transport Department. But this is a pretty forgiving system: Drivers who fail the course or just fail to attend will receive eight points. After going a year without further violation, they can get the remaining four points.
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How to lose (and regain) points under Thailand’s new driving scheme
