Thailand's new traffic laws will be based on the more stringent model of Japan, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) announced on May 7. (Source: bangkokpost.com) Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand's new traffic laws will be based on the more stringent model of Japan, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) announced on May 7.
The MOT has been working with the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on this issue, said MOT’s Permanent Deputy Secretary Chirute Visalachitra.
MLIT has shared knowledge about its success in using a point-deduction licence system to improve discipline among Japanese drivers, said Chirute.
The system will be incorporated into the new land transport bill which merges the 1979 Automobile Act with the 1979 Land Transport Act, and is currently entering the final stages of drafting.
However, Chirute did not spell out when the system will come into force as it requires the databases of a number of related agencies to be linked.
In the draft bill, failing to stop at traffic lights would mean two points being deducted and a fine of between 1,800 baht and 3,200 baht (56-100 USD).
Failure to stop or slow down to allow pedestrians to use a crossing point will be fined up to 4,000 baht (125 USD).
Licences will be suspended for up to 180 days if more than six points are deducted in any three-year period.
Drink-driving carries a potential 35-point penalty, a maximum jail term of five years and/or fine of up to 300,000 baht (9,300 USD), as well as five-year driving licence suspension.
Passengers and owners (if not the driver) cars involved in cases of drink-driving charge will also bear legal responsibility.-VNA
VNA
