Thai Driving Laws
Everything you need to know about driving legally in Thailand, from license requirements to traffic fines and insurance.
Important Warning
Driving without a valid license voids your insurance. You become personally liable for all costs in an accident, which can run into millions of baht.
License Requirements
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Valid for tourists. Must be obtained from your home country before traveling.
Requirements:
- Home country driving license
- Passport
- IDP application fee
Thai Driving License
Required for long-term residents. Valid for 1-5 years depending on visa status.
Requirements:
- Medical certificate
- Residence certificate
- Passport + visa
- Written & practical tests
Thai License Process
Medical Certificate
Get from any hospital or clinic (~100-200 THB)
Residence Certificate
From immigration or your embassy
Color Blindness Test
At the DLT office
Depth Perception Test
At the DLT office
Reaction Test
Brake reaction timing
Written Test
50 questions, need 45 correct
Practical Test
If you don't have an IDP or foreign license
Location:Chonburi Department of Land Transport (DLT)
Hours:Mon-Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm
Fee:205 THB (1 year) / 505 THB (5 years)
Traffic Fines
| Offense | Fine |
|---|---|
| No helmet | 500 THB |
| Running red light | 500-1,000 THB |
| No driving license | 2,000 THB |
| Speeding | 500-1,000 THB |
| Drunk driving | 5,000-20,000 THB + jail |
| No seatbelt | 500 THB |
| Using phone while driving | 500-1,000 THB |
| Illegal U-turn | 500 THB |
| Illegal parking | 500 THB + towing |
Vehicle Insurance
Compulsory (Por Ror Bor)
Required by law for all vehicles. Covers third-party injury only.
Voluntary Class 1
Comprehensive coverage including own vehicle damage, theft, fire.
Voluntary Class 2+
Third party + theft + fire. No coverage for own vehicle accidents.
Voluntary Class 3
Third party coverage only. Most basic voluntary insurance.