Planning to rent a car in Thailand? Before hitting the road, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules.

Traffic Rules in Thailand

  • In Thailand, vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
  • All passengers must wear seat belts, including those in the rear seats.
  • Using mobile phones while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free device.
  • Children under 12 years old or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches (145 cm) must be in an appropriate child restraint.
  • Headlights should be used during nighttime and in low-visibility conditions.
  • The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.05% for drivers and 0.02% for new or commercial drivers.

Speed limits in Thailand

  • Urban areas: 60 km/h (37 mph)
  • Rural roads: 90 km/h (56 mph)
  • Highways: 120 km/h (75 mph)

Fines in Thailand

  • Speeding: 200-1,000 THB (5-25 EUR)
  • Not wearing a seat belt: 500 THB (13 EUR)
  • Using a mobile phone while driving: 400-1,000 THB (10-25 EUR)
  • Parking violations: 200-1,000 THB (5-25 EUR)
  • Running a red light: 500-1,000 THB (13-25 EUR)
  • Drunk driving: 5,000-20,000 THB (125-500 EUR) and possible license suspension or imprisonment
  • Children without child seats: 500 THB (13 EUR)

Fines can be paid at the nearest police station or online through designated government websites.

Road Police in Thailand

Thailand employs traffic cameras and road police to enforce traffic regulations. If stopped by the police, remain calm, be polite, and show your international driving permit, passport, and vehicle documents. In case of an accident, call the police by dialing 191 or the Tourist Police at 1155.