The Checkpoints in Phuket: How to Behave
Checkpoints are regular police checks that are deployed at fixed locations. Checkpoints usually have several police officers. Keep calm during the controls and do not make any fuss. Thai police officers are usually friendly and forgiving, but they do not tolerate aggressive behavior.
Checkpoints also happen at night. The police check the sobriety of drivers and can search you for drugs. Remember that the e-cigarettes popular in the West are illegal here and treated like a drug.
Thailand Traffic fines in 2022
If you are caught driving without an IDP, a ticket will be issued on the spot, and it must be paid in cash at the nearest police station. After paying the fine, you will have a 24-hour grace period, which means that you will not get a second ticket for driving without an IDP within the next 24 hours. Of course, this grace period does not apply to those caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For this offense, the penalty is 20,000 baht and the threat of imprisonment.
Here is the updated tariff for some offenses:
| Traffic violations | Fine |
|---|---|
| Driving without a license | 200฿ |
| Illegally stopping in restricted areas | 300฿ |
| Using an unroadworthy vehicle | 400฿ |
| Reckless driving | 400฿ |
| Failing to stop for an emergency vehicle | 400฿ |
| Negligent or "scary" driving | 400฿ |
| Parking on the bridge | 400฿ |
| Using a cell phone without auxiliary equipment | 500฿ |
| Speeding | 500฿ |
| Driving without license plates | 500฿ |
| Disobeying traffic lights | 500฿ |
| Failing to comply with traffic signs on roadsides | 500฿ |
| Driving on roadside pavements | 500฿ |
| Parking or leaving stalled vehicles to obstruct traffic | 500฿ |
| Driving without helmet (each person) | 500฿ |
| Driving wrong-way | 500฿ |
| Overtaking on the left (a practice known as undertaking) | 500฿ |
| Changing lane over solid white line | 500฿ |
| Contravening emissions regulations | 1,000฿ |
Speak Thai or Pretend You Cannot?
If you know even a few words in Thai, it can slightly affect the police officer’s decision and ease the punishment. Pretending that you do not understand a word in Thai or English and that you do not know why you’re getting a ticket does not work.
Final Thoughts
Driving a scooter is a very convenient and fast means of transport in Thailand. It is a pleasure and gives you the freedom to travel around the island without restrictions. However, to avoid unnecessary costs and stress during a run-in with the police, it is worth learning about local laws and regulations.
