The Royal Thai Police has announced a "warn before fine" measure starting January 2026, aiming to improve traffic law compliance in Thailand. Under the program, drivers will receive a warning for certain offences before any fines are imposed. However, vehicles emitting excessive black smoke will be fined immediately due to environmental concerns.
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Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Samran Nuanma stated that this initiative, facilitated by the Police Ticket Management (PTM) system, intends to encourage adherence to traffic laws. This campaign, running through March 2026, will also involve public outreach efforts to educate citizens on traffic regulations. Offenders without outstanding fines will receive a warning for eligible violations.
The initiative's guidelines clarify that warnings are issued only to those present at the scene, allowing officers to address the offence directly. Repeat offenders or those with unpaid fines will be fined without warning. Importantly, the measure applies only once per offender; subsequent violations will result in standard ticketing.
Vehicles violating black-smoke emission standards will not benefit from the warning system. Immediate fines will apply, aligning with legal efforts to combat air pollution during a period of heightened environmental awareness in Thailand. The RTP emphasizes reducing pollution's impact on public health with this exception.
This move calls for the public to contribute to a safer driving culture, aligning with broader safety goals for citizens and their property. By raising awareness and enforcing rules, authorities hope to create a more disciplined driving environment nationwide, reported The Nation.
Key Takeaways
The "warn before fine" measure aims to improve traffic compliance from January to March 2026.
Black-smoke emissions will be immediately fined due to environmental impact.
Drivers will only receive one warning; subsequent violations will incur fines.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Nation · 11 Feb 2026