Thai Court Rules Traffic Fines Can't Block Vehicle Tax Renewal

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Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

In a landmark decision, Thailand's Administrative Court has ruled that outstanding traffic fines cannot be used as grounds to deny motorists their annual vehicle tax renewal.

 

This case revolved around Amnat Kaewprasong, who faced an unexpected hurdle when the Bangkok office of the Department of Land Transport refused to issue his tax decal due to an unpaid 500 baht fine related to a speeding offence.

 

Kaewprasong brought the issue to court, arguing that the denial was both unjust and contrary to legal procedures. The court sided with him, instructing the Department of Land Transport to provide the necessary vehicle tax decal within three days from the date the judgement took effect.

 

Additionally, the court mandated compensation to Kaewprasong of 3,151.50 baht for the inconvenience caused, along with interest at a rate of 3% per annum.

The crux of the court's decision emphasised that while an electronic data-sharing agreement between the Department of Land Transport and the Royal Thai Police was in place to streamline enforcement of traffic regulations, the police failed to adhere to required legal procedures.

 

Notably, the traffic department had not issued the formal notices required by law for the unpaid fine, nor was there evidence of communication regarding the non-compliance.

 

Without such notifications, the court maintained that the department had overreached its authority by refusing the tax renewal. The decision sets a significant precedent, reinforcing the principle that due process must be followed, and outstanding fines alone cannot justify withholding essential documents like a vehicle tax decal.

 

By ensuring these checks and balances are respected, the ruling protects motorists from bureaucratic overreach and underscores the need for lawful and transparent communication between governmental bodies and the public.

 

This outcome is likely to have wider implications for how traffic fines are enforced and may prompt procedural reforms within the involved agencies to avoid similar situations in the future, reported Thai Rath.

 

-- 2024-12-21

 

 

[ChrisY1]

Well done to K.  Amnat Kaewprasong. 

"the police failed to adhere to required legal procedures."

There must be thousands of outstanding fines which may now all be illegal according to this judgement.....

Any lessons learnt for the cops?

[quake]

Oh well,  Carry on speeding.

TIT.