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Traffic & Road Law

Traffic & Road Law Offences: Complete List & Penalties

Complete list of criminal offences under traffic & road law, including elements, severity classifications, and maximum penalties.

Last updated: February 2026

All Traffic & Road Law Offences

The following offences fall under traffic & road law. Click on any offence for detailed information including elements, penalties, and defences.

Drink-Driving

severe

Driving while intoxicated by alcohol above the limit set by ministerial regulation.

Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 §43(2), Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 §160 terMax: Base offence (no injury caused): up to 1 year imprisonment and/or a fine of THB 5,000–20,000, plus licence suspension of at least 6 months or revocation. Where it causes bodily harm, 1–5 years and THB 20,000–100,000; serious injury, 2–6 years and THB 40,000–120,000; death, 3–10 years and THB 60,000–200,000 with licence revoked.

Drug-Impaired Driving

severe

Driving after taking narcotics or psychotropic substances, or refusing a lawful drug test.

Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 §43 bis, Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 §157/1Max: Punishment one-third higher than the penalty under the narcotics or psychotropic-substances law, plus licence suspension of at least 6 months or revocation. Where harm results the tiers mirror drink-driving: 1–5 years (injury), 2–6 years (serious injury) and 3–10 years (death), with fines up to THB 200,000. Refusing a lawful test is itself a fine of up to THB 1,000.

Failing to Stop After an Accident (Hit-and-Run)

serious

Not stopping, helping and reporting after a road accident that injures a person or damages property.

Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 §78, Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 §160Max: Up to 3 months imprisonment and/or a fine of THB 2,000–10,000, rising to up to 6 months and/or THB 5,000–20,000 where the accident causes serious injury or death. The vehicle may be seized and, if the owner does not come forward within six months, forfeited to the State.

Speeding

minor

Exceeding the speed set by ministerial regulation or by posted signs.

Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 §67, Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 §152Max: A fine of up to THB 1,000. The numeric speed limits are set by ministerial regulation and posted signs, not by the Act, and camera enforcement with a mailed ticket is common.

Riding Without a Helmet

minor

A motorcycle rider or passenger not wearing a protective helmet — a rule very commonly enforced at police checkpoints.

Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 §122, Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 §148Max: A fine of up to THB 500 under the consolidated Act, doubled where a rider carries an un-helmeted passenger. The amount can be changed by amendment, so confirm the current figure. Seat-belt breaches (§123) carry the same base fine.

Severity Classification Guide

Minor Offences

Generally punishable by fines or short-term imprisonment. Often compoundable or subject to alternative dispositions.

Moderate Offences

Punishable by imprisonment up to several years. Bail is typically available. May have immigration consequences for foreigners.

Serious Offences

Significant imprisonment terms. Bail may be restricted. Deportation is common for foreign nationals upon completion of sentence.

Severe Offences

Maximum penalties including life imprisonment or death. Bail is often denied. Immediate legal representation is essential.

More Traffic & Road Law Topics

Overview For Foreigners

When Legal Representation Matters

If you need assistance with traffic & road law matters in Thailand, professional legal advice can help protect your interests.

Anglo Siam Legal provides experienced legal services across Thailand for both Thai nationals and foreigners.

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