Why Are Motorcycles Prohibited on Expressways in Thailand?

[CharlieH]

(Photo Credit: car.kapook)

 

Understanding Thailand's Motorcycle Expressway Ban: A Comprehensive Overview

 

Thailand has implemented a policy that forbids motorcycles from using expressways, stirring discussions and inquiries among both motorcyclists and the general populace. This article explores the rationale behind this prohibition and its implications for road safety.

 

A Long-Standing Regulation

 

In Thailand, the law prohibiting motorcycles on expressways and motorways is strictly enforced. Despite this, breaches of the law occur frequently, presenting significant risks to both motorcyclists and other drivers. This article aims to clarify the reasons for this regulation, highlighting the dangers it seeks to mitigate.

 

Prioritizing Safety

 

The primary motivation for Thailand's ban on motorcycles on expressways is safety concerns. Expressways are designed for high-speed traffic, where the risks associated with sudden stops and maneuverability are magnified. Due to their smaller size and relatively reduced stability, motorcycles can face significant challenges when operating alongside faster vehicles.

 

Accidents involving motorcycles and cars often result in serious injuries or fatalities for riders. By restricting motorcycles from accessing these roads, Thailand aims to minimize the likelihood of such tragic incidents.

 

Addressing Speed Differences

 

Another crucial factor is the speed differential. Motorcycles typically do not reach the same high speeds as cars, leading to a mismatch that increases the risk of accidents. High-speed travel requires precise vehicle control and quick reactions, which can be particularly arduous for motorcycle riders who navigate alongside faster-moving traffic. Allowing motorcycles on expressways would necessitate their speed being reduced, impeding the efficiency of these roadways designed for rapid transit.

 

Traffic Management Considerations

 

The prohibition of motorcycles on expressways serves as a traffic management measure aimed at alleviating congestion and enhancing road safety. When motorcycles are excluded from these highways, cars can operate more smoothly, reducing the potential for confusion and facilitating better management of expressway traffic.

 

In many countries that permit motorcycles on expressways, dedicated lanes or specialized regulations exist to enhance safety. However, given budget and spatial limitations, implementing similar infrastructure in Thailand may not be feasible. Therefore, the ban is viewed as an effective solution for managing the challenges associated with mixed traffic on high-speed roadways.

 

 Advancing Alternative Transportation Solutions

 

Thailand is exploring alternatives for motorcycle users, focusing on the development of designated routes for motorcycles and improvements to public transportation systems. By promoting the use of public transit—such as buses and electric trains—the government aims to decrease motorcycle reliance for longer journeys that might otherwise require expressway travel.

 

Enhancing public transport options not only enhances convenience but also contributes to reducing road congestion and minimizing pollution in urban areas, creating a more efficient transportation network.

 

 Legal Implications of Riding Motorcycles on Expressways

 

It is crucial to note that operating a motorcycle on expressways in Thailand is illegal under the Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and related regulations from B.E. 2524 (1981). Violators of this law face penalties, with fines reaching up to 1,000 baht.

 

In summary, the prohibition on motorcycles in Thailand's expressways is rooted in several factors, including safety enhancement, traffic regulation, and the promotion of more effective transport solutions. While some motorcyclists may view this ban as restrictive, the overarching aim is to ensure the safety and efficient usage of expressways for everyone. Thus, maintaining the current policy seems to be the most reasonable approach for now.

[UWEB]

Just allow Big Bikes on the Express Ways like other Countries are doing, minimum Speed 60 km/h and at least 250 ccm.

[OneMoreFarang]

1 hour ago, CharlieH said:

Addressing Speed Differences

 

Another crucial factor is the speed differential. Motorcycles typically do not reach the same high speeds as cars, leading to a mismatch that increases the risk of accidents. High-speed travel requires precise vehicle control and quick reactions, which can be particularly arduous for motorcycle riders who navigate alongside faster-moving traffic. Allowing motorcycles on expressways would necessitate their speed being reduced, impeding the efficiency of these roadways designed for rapid transit.

 

 

Bikes are often a lot faster than cars. And they are especially faster in slow moving traffic jams. 

[BangkokReady]

On 1/2/2025 at 12:38 PM, OneMoreFarang said:

Bikes are often a lot faster than cars. And they are especially faster in slow moving traffic jams. 

 

I think it's because they know they'll have grandads on Waves swerving around at 40kph in front of trucks travelling at 120kph.

[papa al]

It would be carnage.

[Ralf001]

Few years back during Songkran I did 7 motorway Patts to BKK and back on my R1.

Great road for some high speed runs.

[gargamon]

Expressways in the Philippines allow 400cc and larger motorcycles. Those laughable scooters here they call motorcycles are prohibited.

[brewsterbudgen]

One of the few good things about traffic laws here is that motorcycles are not allowed on motorways.  As someone has already said, it would just add to the carnage if they were!

[richard_smith237]

On 1/2/2025 at 8:38 AM, OneMoreFarang said:

Bikes are often a lot faster than cars. And they are especially faster in slow moving traffic jams. 

 

Thats not 'faster' thats more 'efficient' at getting through traffic - its a different thing than 'riding speed'... 

 

The reality is - many bikes cannot travel at 120kmh highway speeds with ease because they are 'scooters'.

 

But, there are also plenty of 'normal bikes' that can easily travel comfortably at 160 kmh, they are not as ubiquitous as scooters (step throughs and the like such as a honda click or a vespa)...    So a minimum power rating such as 500cc would be OK... 

 

But...  the issue is laziness - its easier to police a sweeping / blanket regulation than it is a regulation that allows some bikes but not others. 

 

 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

22 hours ago, gargamon said:

Expressways in the Philippines allow 400cc and larger motorcycles. Those laughable scooters here they call motorcycles are prohibited.

 

IF that happened here - don't you think we'd see all the smaller bikes trying to get on the expressways too and ineffective policing would simply result in the expressways being a free-for-all ???

 

 

[NoDisplayName]

2 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

The reality is - many bikes cannot travel at 120kmh highway speeds with ease because they are 'scooters'.

 

Many scooters can.  It's just that's not the way locals (Asians in general it seems) drive them.

 

A family of five on a scooter without helmets traveling at bicycle speed, riding on the white line on the edge of a major highway in the wrong direction at night without lights?  Not a great plan.

[richard_smith237]

15 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

Many scooters can.  It's just that's not the way locals (Asians in general it seems) drive them.

 

A family of five on a scooter without helmets traveling at bicycle speed, riding on the white line on the edge of a major highway in the wrong direction at night without lights?  Not a great plan.

 

120 kmh is the top end or beyond the top end for many scooter type motorcycles. 

My scooter officially tops out at about 135 kmh - its not comfortable or stable at those speeds - certainly not comfortable on an expressway.

 

[NoDisplayName]

3 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

120 kmh is the top end or beyond the top end for many scooter type motorcycles. 

My scooter officially tops out at about 135 kmh - its not comfortable or stable at those speeds - certainly not comfortable on an expressway.

 

 

 

Sure, many scooters can't reach highway speeds, or aren't safe/comfortable to do so.

 

You'll still get the previously mentioned family of five on a superbike driving the wrong way on the freeway at night without lights.

 

The only way is to ban 2-wheelers completely, seeing as there is no enforcement.

[CallumWK]

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

IF that happened here - don't you think we'd see all the smaller bikes trying to get on the expressways too and ineffective policing would simply result in the expressways being a free-for-all ???

 

 

 

Express ways have a barrier at the toll booth, so easy to keep them off

[richard_smith237]

8 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

Sure, many scooters can't reach highway speeds, or aren't safe/comfortable to do so.

 

You'll still get the previously mentioned family of five on a superbike driving the wrong way on the freeway at night without lights.

 

The only way is to ban 2-wheelers completely, seeing as there is no enforcement.

 

Yep, thats exactly the way I see it too... 

 

Its a task too difficult for the Thai Police to want to police against...  and once a critical mass start to bypass any regulation on engine size / power etc - its too late and carnage ensues.

 

 

Other than the Policing aspect - I don't see why 500cc or 600cc + bike should not be permitted in expressway, but understand the reasons why they are not permitted here. 

[richard_smith237]

9 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

Express ways have a barrier at the toll booth, so easy to keep them off

 

Perhaps... but I'm not so sure... they would be a debate every time someone with a 300cc bike wanted to use an expressway where the limit is 400cc....

 

 

Its already law that 'uncovered pickups' are not permitted on the expressways with cargo in their flat-bet, yet we see this on a daily basis becase those at toll booths are not sufficiently empowered to enforce regulations or they just don't care. 

 

Additionally - Thailand already has automatic easy-pass gates - it wouldn't be hard to just get an Easy Pass for the bike...