Stopped By Police, Eu Driving License Taken

[modafinil]

I got stopped at a police checkpoint today in Phuket, I handed over my licence and the policeman told me that it was a driving license, and that I had to pay a fine. Guilty as charged, no arguments from me.

I told the policeman I didn't have any money with me, he told me to go to the local police station later and pay the fine and I can get my license back. At least that's what I think he said, something may have been lost in translation.

Now I'm not disputing that what I was doing was wrong (riding about on a motorbike when I only have an EU driving license). Anybody who wishes to make witty "serves you right, som nam naa"-type comments is welcome to do so. If it gives you any pleasure to deliver a stern lecture on the wrongs of lawbreaking, please break out a sermon for me, it will be tremendously entertaining for everybody reading I'm sure.

I have one question only. If I never bother going to the police station to pay my 500 baht fine, what is the likely outcome?

Wild speculation welcome, informed knowledge would be better still. Thanks!

[richard_smith237]

If you don't recover your licence I very much doubt anything will happen, its simply not worth their while.

Or, it might be worth more than 500 baht (the fine) for you to get it back, in which case its simple enough to do so.

Once you get your licence back getting a Thai drivers licence is highly advisable.

[Crossy]

Highly unlikely that anything nasty will happen if you don't pay.

BUT you now have no licence at all, what happens next time you get stopped?

Take the paper you got to the station indicated on it and pay up.

Get a Thai licence

[thaicbr]

Some questions.. 1) do you have motorcycle entitlement on your licence,,does it show a bike? (scooter entitlement) 2) is the licence in English? 3) is the offence riding without a valid licence?

if yes to 1 ,2 and 3 then the licence is legal to use for up to 6 months..contest it at the police station

As for not going to pay the fine.. then thats up to you.. but next time the owner of the bike has to retax the bike they will have to pay it.. is it worth the hassle of getting a new licence for 500b

[bramds]

An EU license is not valid here. Just go and get it back, pay the fine and get a Thai license, will save you a lot of hassle and you will get the Thai price at all these lovely attractions around the country.

[naboo]

Pay the 500B. It was taken as your form of ID. Next time, if you have no ID, they'll keep you by the side of the road until they have time to take you back to the station. They might even lock you up until you can produce a passport, then sit in a prison cell until immigration have checked you out.

The fine stays on the bike if you don't pay, as stated above.

[loserlazer]

was it a rented bike? if yes, you can call the rental guys but they have already taken your license just go to the cop shop and pay them 500 thb and get your license back.

They took my driving license from back home and they lost it at teh police station.

If you are living here for some time and continue to live, just get a Thai license - no sermon intended.

[thaicbr]

Highly unlikely that anything nasty will happen if you don't pay.

BUT you now have no licence at all, what happens next time you get stopped?

Take the paper you got to the station indicated on it and pay up.

Get a Thai licence

Get a thai license without a work permit?

Is it doable?

yes

[Whale]

You dont even have to go yourself - I asked my maid to go and get mine last time, no problem!!

[NomadJoe]

Please explain what you mean here: " I handed over my licence and the policeman told me that it was a driving license, and that I had to pay a fine."

Do you mean to say that he told you it wasn't a driving license]? If you live here and are not a tourist then he is right. If it isn't motorcycle endorsed, then you are not licensed to drive a motorcycle.

And to answer your question, nothing happens if you don't pay, except you lose your EU license.

An EU license is not valid here.

Incorrect. It is valid if it is in English has a photo and you are a tourist/vistor, but not if you are a resident. As previously stated it needs to be motorcycle endorsed if on a motorcycle. Most cops at least in Phuket don't care about that though. They usually accept a car license from home for a tourist on a scooter. Edited April 3, 2013 by NomadJoe

[B1ade]

I left mine with them once, i completely forgot to go in and pay the fine and collect my licence, 1 week passed and I went in, they had a drawer full of thai and foreign licences, some had been there for a very long time I was told. So nothing would happen to you

[NomadJoe]

You got it pretty close thaicbr. A couple things though...

The red and strikethrough below is mine.

Some questions.. 1) do you have motorcycle entitlement on your licence,,does it show a bike? (scooter entitlement) 2) is the licence in English ? 3) is the offence riding without a valid licence? 4) Are you a tourist

if yes to 1 ,2

3

and 4 then the licence is legal to use for up to 6 months..contest it at the police station

As I stated, there is no time limit. It is simply whether you are a tourist or a resident.

[wolf5370]

You dont even have to go yourself - I asked my maid to go and get mine last time, no problem!!

Yeah I had a copper pick it up for me - reduced the fine by 300 baht to boot (800 down to 500 - 800 was for two offences, non-Thai license (after several years ooops) and illegal U-turn - fair cop!)

[NomadJoe]

Here is the little write-up I did recently on IDP's if anyone is interested, since that is basically what this thread is about. It's still a work in progress.

When I was a cop in the states I understood international drivers permits (IDP[/size]'s) from that perspective pretty well. (An IDP[/size] is a passport sized document which adheres to various UN Convention on traffic acts and is usually issued by auto clubs which accompanies your home license and translates the information contained on your license into several languages, none of them Thai, and allows you in most cases to drive in a foreign county on your home license if you are a tourist/visiting that county [but not a resident].) The question always asked is, is it required in Thailand. Many states in America don't recognize IDP's. They just accept foreign licenses full stop. No need for IDP[/size]'s. In the academy we were taught IDP[/size]'s were generally useless all round, and that a lot of companies sell bogus ones for way more than the legitimate ones. I have always wondered why I and everyone I knew was able to drive on their home license here with no IDP when some websites claimed it was required. Even my father had an accident in a rental car,a rental car he rented with his home license with no IDP, and it was no problem for the police of insurance. So I decided to get to the bottom of this, as it was frustrating to me to see consulate, travel advice, and auto club websites telling people they needed to get an international drivers permit when it clearly isn't needed. I remember when i first came to Thailand stressing about getting an IDP[/size] and nearly buying a bogus one online for like $100 USD. So after some research, it turns out car rental companies, insurance companies and police..none of them ask/require it. I knew there must be law to support this, and I set out to find it.

------


A few years ago I read in the paper a quote from a top BIB (which I really wish I could find) that made it all clear. He said that the official position of the BIB is that an English language license with a photo is considered an international license and thus does not require an IDP endorsement. This was probably due to the changes in technology, the fact that most licenses now have photos and are in English. In 1949 (The year of the Geneva Convention) most did not. This also makes sense when you realize that none of the languages an IDP translates your license into are Thai. Most states in America no longer require them just as many other countries now don't. So that is how I believe the "IDP is required in Thailand for tourists" rumor got started. It may have once been the case, but no longer.

In terms of "supporting evidence", the first important piece to this is the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic act of 1949. This is apparently where organizations like the Australian, Canadian, British, and U.S. AAA get their information simply by looking at who had signed and/or ratified the act and use that to determine whether an IDP is required or not without actually reading the act. This act, which isn't a law but a treaty, (agreement between counties) covers a great many things like road design, road markings'signage, license plate design, (which, btw, Thailand is in violation of because they use Thai script, not Roman letters) drivers license design and, of course, the mutual acceptance of drivers licenses. Ever wonder why DL's are so often pink? It comes from this act.

So in an effort to find my smoking gun, I recently sent an email to the Thai Highway Police, amongst others, in order to see if I could get clarification on the law. I received two documents in Thai which I have attached to this post. One was an RTP document generally describing drivers license design, the other was a Thai language version of the 1949 Geneva convention on road traffic act. Online sources I found show Thailand is not a signatory, but become a contracting state to the act in 1962 via accession. Here is a translation of the relevant section of that act. Notice in paragraph 2 the word "may" in bold as well as the bit after "especially...". I added the *'s so people don't have to look them up. It's crystal clear that the treaty does not require contracting states to require an IDP[/size].




CHAPTER V
DRIVERS OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC
Article 24
1. Each Contracting State* shall allow any driver admitted to its territory who fulfills the conditions which are set out in Annex 8** and who holds a valid driving permit issued to him, after he has given proof of his competence, by the competent authority of another Contracting State or subdivision thereof, or by an Association duly empowered by such authority, to drive on its roads without further examination motor vehicles of the category or categories defined in Annexes 9 and 10 for which the permit has been issued.
2. A Contracting State may however require that any driver admitted to its territory shall carry an international driving permit conforming to the model contained in Annex 10, especially in the case of a driver coming from a country where a domestic driving permit is not required or where the domestic permit issued to him does not conform to the model contained in Annex 9***.

* Thailand is a contracting state, as they became a party via accession on 15 Aug, 1962.

** Annex 8 references required age of drivers.

*** Annex 9 describes the size of domestic driving permit (driver’s license) colour, size, English language, photo size, etc.

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/1955/2.html

http://www.unece.org/trans/conventn/legalinst_07_RTRSS_RT1949.html



Then, the next and equally important piece of the puzzle is the Land Traffic Act of 1979, Title 3 Section 42. It clearly states that if there is mutual acceptance of licenses through treaty (like the treaty above) then "an alien who doesn't have an immigrant visa may drive a motor vehicle with a driver's license issued by such a foreign government". Note that your home country and Thailand must have a treaty on mutual licenses. Most do so that shouldn't be a problem.

Land Traffic Act of 1979
Title 3: Driver's License

Section 42
Anyone who wishes to drive a motor vehicle on public roads must possess an appropriate driver's license. The driver must carry the driver's license and a photocopy of the registration book and show them to competent officers upon request. This does not apply for those who are learning to drive a motor vehicle according to the provision of Section 57.

If the driver is an alien who doesn't have an immigrant visa, he may drive a motor vehicle with a driver's license specified in the Section 42-2. In such a case, he must carry documents specified by the treaty between the Thai government and the government which issued such driver's license, and show them to competent officers upon request.

Section 42-2
In case there's a treaty between the Thai government and a foreign government regarding mutual acceptance of driver's license, an alien who doesn't have an immigrant visa may drive a motor vehicle with a driver's license issued by such a foreign government, or an automobile association authorized by such a foreign government.

http://www.bkkriders.com/law/motorvehicle.html

---

Not that any other evidence is really necessary, but to address the many claims that "If you're in an accident you can't make a claim without an IDP." or "You can't rent a car without an IDP.".. I submit the following email responses from several car rental companies and insurance companies whom I asked for their policy on this issue. Not a single one came back saying I needed an IDP if a tourist in Thailand. The big companies clearly state it right in their website.


Pure Car Rent:

"Thank you for your email. Intenational drivers license is no need to translate because when it says International it should already in English and it is permited to use internationally.
About insurance coverage, for Pure Car Rent‘s insurance, Thai,
overseas or international driver’s license is acceptable for our
insurance companies. So if you drive Pure Car Rent‘s car with
driver’s license issued by your country, you and the car are covered
by insurance.”

HertzThailand.com:

"Rental Qualification :
Minimum renter age is 21 years.
Must hold a valid Thai driving license or a driving license from a
renter’s country of residence (with an English translation), or an
international driving license."

Budget.co.th:

Drivers License
All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary license.
The license may either be Thai, or from a renter's country of
residence (with an English translation) or an international drivers
permit. Licenses (and a valid passport) must be carried at all times
when driving.


Thai Rent A Car

In order to rent THAI RENT A CAR vehicle, a valid driver’s license from the customer’s country of residence
is required and must be presented at time of rental. International renters must present a valid license from
their country of residence, if the license is in a language rather than English, an International Driver’s
permit is required in conjunction with the country of residence driver’s license

http://www.thairentacar.com/RentalGuides/


AA Insurance Thailand:

"Your 'home' license is legal in Thailand - as long as it is legal in your own country i.e. not suspended !"

Viriyah Insurance:

“We acknowledge receipt of your e-mail and
very sorry for late reply. Regarding to your question, please be
inform that your legal drivers license issued by The United States of
America (date of license valid) is acceptable to use and drive the car
in Thailand and The Viriyah car insurance will be cover while have an
accident (Just in Thailand). Thank you for your kind interested.”

Bupa Insurance:

"For the international IDP is not a problem sir. As I have check with Bangkok. It’s not a problem for Bupa.
No problem with that and the insurance will be covered you for all.
-Prayurapong Pisanaka, Prayurapong Pisanaka, Executive Health & Financial Manager - Head Office
American International Assurance Company, Limited


----

And for those out there that are still doubting, here is a short collection of first hand accounts from various sources of the seemingly infinite reports of interactions between foriegners driving with no IDP and the Thai police. This reflects the actual reality of the situation on the ground in Thailand and should be the best measuring stick to the legality of diving on your home license with no IDP. It strikes me as very odd that the police who are so fond of finding any little thing to make some tea money seem to be ignoring this if an IDP is required. Anecdotal, yes, but evidence none the less. (No, I didn't write any of the Wiki Answers)

Lonely Planet entry:

"I've rented cars in Thailand many times. All the rental companies ask for is a driver's license (US state) and credit card -- just like everywhere else. I've been stopped by the police several times and the driver's license was fine."

Thaivisa member bob4you

I've been driving here for 5 years, stopped a couple of dozen times. Hawaii drivers license was accepted (never questioned once) each time.


ThaiVisa member bubba:

I have never had an International Driving License and I have driven in Thailand using both hired cars and my own car for about ten years now. I do have a valid licence from home. My insurance policy has a clause that states that only a "valid drivers license" is required for the class of vehicle insured. After inquiring, I got it in writing that this includes foreign licenses. I have been involved in three minor property damage accidents, two in a hire car and one in my own car. Whilst driving on a foreign license, my car was smashed by an uninsured pickup with my repair bill being 24,000 baht. My insurance company sent their adjuster out, he made out a report, and I was compensated fully. None of the police asked for a Thai or international licence, nor did the insurance companies and my own insurance company explicitly allows for coverage of drivers using a foreign licence, so long as that licence is valid for the class of vehicle driven. I have been stopped at police checkpoints and police invented traffic infractions dozens of times, and sometimes they ask for my licence. No problem. The police just want the money, not a big hassle. I have hired cars in Thailand dozens of times and no Thai or international licence is required by those companies either, including the majors such as Avis and Budget.

Here are the car rental companies in Thailand that I have used and none require an IDP or Thai licence so long as I had a recognisable and valid foreign licence:

Hertz
Avis
Budget
Master Car Rental
North Wheels (Chiang Mai)



ThaiVisa member tropa:

“I went through one of these road blocks on 3rd Road yesterday. I showed them my Australian drivers licence and they waved me through.”

landofsmiles from another forum:

"Your [home] licence is fine. Chances are in a few days you won't even go through any police checks and if you do it will still be ok. I don't have a bike endorsement on mine and I've been through dozens of checks. All they want to see is the word LICENCE and your photo."

ThaiVisa member fiddlehead:

"I always just used my state drivers licence from USA ... used the above for about 3 years ... Never got a fine for it. Except once because it had expired."

ThaiVisa member phuketrex:

"5 years in Thailand. Through 100's of police checks. Never a problem showing my British licence."

Commenter Robb at Pattaya One:

" I’ve been driving here for years only on my home country licence and never had a problem. Seem the police like the fact I have all my other documentation for my bike, nicely color photocopied and in a ziplok bag under the seat, they never question the fact I don’t have an international licence"

ThaiVisa member Deaw:

Cruising down 2nd road in Pattaya on my rented 'cycle, not far from the Central Mall; must've been about 30 cops there, with the orange cones and some barricades, flashing red lights, etc.....pulling over EVERY motorcycle, farang and Thai alike. This was at 5pm.

I got waved over by 2 guys .... helmet on; check. One says "license, please", and I hand him my N.Y. state drivers license. While he is looking it over, I say "I am a tourist here, I don't live in Thailand". Then I point to the "M.C." next to the Operator code and tell them "M.C., that means motorcycle".

The older of the 2 says "OK" and they stand aside and let me pass. Total time wasted; 30 seconds.

Total bribe and/or fine paid, and total number of laws broken; None.

ThaiVisa member collectsskulls:

"I have an international drivers permit but have never been asked for it only my Canadian one"

ThaiVisa member Kwasaki:

"I have never needed an IDP in Thailand having a UK valid driving license"

Wiki Answers

"All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary licence either Thai or from their own country but if it is not Thai or English they must carry an English translation or an international driving licence."

Wiki Answers

"I drove in Thailand for the first 12 months on a west Australian licence and was often checked but never a problem. Each time I was stopped at a police check point, the policeman seemed more intent on proving that he could read my name.
After that 12 months I got an International liicence whch was a waste of money as I still only showed my Australian licence.
So ,, short answer No you dont need one"

Wiki Answers

"International or US Driver's License and Passport is all you need."

Wiki Answers

"You don't have to have an international driver's license to rent a car, the rental agencies will rent you a car with a valid license from your home country. If you get stopped by the police make sure you show them your passport and the tourist visa stamp"

Wiki Answers

"If you are a farang and possess your home drivers license, that is enough. If a policeman (especially in Udon Thani) stops you, you simply show him your drivers license"

-----

And lastly, on the separate issue of whether or not an IDP is needed in order to convert your home license to a Thai DL, it does seem some LTD's are asking for this but based on what I have read it would appear that this is only so they can verify what class the license is. The Thai DLT has no idea what "Class C, M1" means for example. They did not ask me for an IDP in Phuket, but they did ask me for a computer printout of the California DMV webpage which explains the classes. If you want to convert your home DL into a Thai one (which will allow you to skip the written and driving tests) and it doesn't have a picture of the classes on it, such as UK and EU licenses do, then bring this printout describing the classes or an IDP.

ThaiVisa member saorsa:

“Got mine (Thai DL) at Sukhumvit 62 branch a few days ago and all I needed was medical cert, passport, Uk drivers license and residency letter. Had to do reaction times test, depth perception and colour test.”

AnotherThaiVisa member in ChangMai reported not needing an IDP to convert his license, even taking a photo of the sign in the DLT describing what you need to convert your home license into a Thai one. No IDP is listed.


Of course it doesn't hurt to have an IDP as long as it's not the bogus ones you see advertised online.

I have submitted the question of IDP's to the Phuket Gazette Issues and Answers so we will see if they make a lier out of me.

So bottom line, if a BIB does try one on and attempt to do you for no IDP as a tourist, all you need to do is point to your English license with a photo and repeat "International already." Show them your passport/copy of with your tourist visa/visa exempt stamp. Speaking Thai to him will only work against you. If he decides that you are a resident and not a tourist/visitor, he may try to cite you for not having a Thai DL, but that has nothing to do with IDP's.

Do the above and I guarantee the BIB will not cite you for diving on just your home license if:

1) You are a tourist/visitor.
2) It is in English.
3) It has a photo.
4) It is current
5) It is for the class of vehicle you are diving.
6) Your home country and Thailand have a mutual agreement on licenses.


-------------------------



http://www.unece.org/trans/conventn/legalinst_07_RTRSS_RT1949.html
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/1955/2.html

à ¸ นุสัà¸à¸à¸²à¹€à¸ˆà¸™à¸µà¸§à¸²2492.pdf

ประà¸à¸²à¸¨à¸à¸£à¸¡à¸à¸²à¸£à¸‚นส่ง à ¸-à ¸³à ¸«à ¸-à ¸-à ¹-à ¸-à ¸-à ¹-à ¸-à ¸ นุà¸à¸²à¸•à¸‚ับขี่ 23 ส.ค. 49.pdf

Edited April 3, 2013 by NomadJoe

[dvdlock]

Hi NomadJoe,

Very interesting and many thanks for making the effort.

For me, this has cleared up any misconceptions I had regarding driving licences in Thailand.

Thanks again.

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[modafinil]

Thank you for the excellent and informative answers - I appreciate it.

I will add a little anecdotal evidence of my own regarding traffic stops. I have been stopped twice in the last 6 months on my bike (6 months ago and today), and on both occasions my EU driving license was rejected because it did not have the motorcycle endorsement. The first time I had plenty of cash with me and just paid the requested 500 Baht fine on the spot (with receipt etc).

I should point out that both these occasions were in Phuket, where the police are probably more tourist-savvy than in most of Thailand. I had been stopped perhaps 8 times before then - on each occasion, the EU driving license was seen as OK by the cops, and I was waved on with no fine.

So it appears that many/most of the police in Phuket now know the difference between a standard driving licence, and one that is endorsed with a motorcycle license. Previously this was not the case. Your experiences may vary. Both roadblocks were in different parts of the island, and had several police pulling every motorbike (but no cars) over.

[lemoncake]

Taking the license is normal, after the fine paid, you go back , show the receipt and license is returned.

HOWEVER

If you do not do it fast, when you return, and police is not there, you will end up chasing it for a very long time.

If you do not care about the license and do not pay, nothing will happen to you, HOWEVER they can attach the fine to the bike and bike owner will have to pay it at some point

[MrRed]

Thanks for that nomadjoe it should be saved.

[Phronesis]

The fine for NO licence is also 500THB AND you ride off after paying it.

I don't understand why you didn't just say I don't have a licence instead of handing over a foreign DRIVERS licence.

[lemoncake]

The fine for NO licence is also 500THB AND you ride off after paying it.

I don't understand why you didn't just say I don't have a licence instead of handing over a foreign DRIVERS licence.

then they take the key

[Potosi]

About 5 years ago I turned into the South Pattaya Road coming from Third Road, and after about 30 metres, along with 3 or 4 other bikes, turned right crossing the yellow line to go in the opposite direction. Copper stopped me, not the other drivers, all Thais. Told me it's illegal to cross the yellow line, 400 Baht, and that I had endangered the traffic, 400 Baht more. No I didn't, the light was red and all vehicles stopped. He was such an ugly git, and grinning happily already spending the 50% he would get from my fine in his mind. I didn't pay, forfeiting my license. Crossed the borders countless times since, no problem. No problem to pay tax and insurance, to get a Thai license, no trouble to register new bikes. Their systems are not as sophisticated as ours, and they have trouble to write foreign names down correctly. See the news section. My name contains an umlaut, so they're more likely to loose it. If the same cop stopped me again, he would not have recognized me. It's as difficult for them to recognize Farangs as it is for us to tell Asians apart. And they're not so bright, the traffic cops.

[lemoncake]

About 5 years ago I turned into the South Pattaya Road coming from Third Road, and after about 30 metres, along with 3 or 4 other bikes, turned right crossing the yellow line to go in the opposite direction. Copper stopped me, not the other drivers, all Thais. Told me it's illegal to cross the yellow line, 400 Baht, and that I had endangered the traffic, 400 Baht more. No I didn't, the light was red and all vehicles stopped. He was such an ugly git, and grinning happily already spending the 50% he would get from my fine in his mind. I didn't pay, forfeiting my license. Crossed the borders countless times since, no problem. No problem to pay tax and insurance, to get a Thai license, no trouble to register new bikes. Their systems are not as sophisticated as ours, and they have trouble to write foreign names down correctly. See the news section. My name contains an umlaut, so they're more likely to loose it. If the same cop stopped me again, he would not have recognized me. It's as difficult for them to recognize Farangs as it is for us to tell Asians apart. And they're not so bright, the traffic cops.

What a racist and un-informed post

For starters, in 5 years many things have changed, just because he did not bother to attach the fine to vehicle registration, it does not mean it can not be done.

Secondly if you too arrogant or ignorant to tell the difference in Asian people, do not put everyone in the same pot

[B1ade]

Thank you for the excellent and informative answers - I appreciate it.

I will add a little anecdotal evidence of my own regarding traffic stops. I have been stopped twice in the last 6 months on my bike (6 months ago and today), and on both occasions my EU driving license was rejected because it did not have the motorcycle endorsement. The first time I had plenty of cash with me and just paid the requested 500 Baht fine on the spot (with receipt etc).

I should point out that both these occasions were in Phuket, where the police are probably more tourist-savvy than in most of Thailand. I had been stopped perhaps 8 times before then - on each occasion, the EU driving license was seen as OK by the cops, and I was waved on with no fine.

So it appears that many/most of the police in Phuket now know the difference between a standard driving licence, and one that is endorsed with a motorcycle license. Previously this was not the case. Your experiences may vary. Both roadblocks were in different parts of the island, and had several police pulling every motorbike (but no cars) over.

If you get pulled over in phuket, its not easy to 'not' be fined! I got pulled over along the beach once, I had my thai licence, tax, copy of green book, helmet - I mean there was nothing he could get me on... he ticketed me for not doing my strap up properly on my helmet, he stated the strap was not far enough under my chin!! no joke!! It was so ridiculous that I found it funny, paid and went on my way.

[lemoncake]

Thank you for the excellent and informative answers - I appreciate it.

I will add a little anecdotal evidence of my own regarding traffic stops. I have been stopped twice in the last 6 months on my bike (6 months ago and today), and on both occasions my EU driving license was rejected because it did not have the motorcycle endorsement. The first time I had plenty of cash with me and just paid the requested 500 Baht fine on the spot (with receipt etc).

I should point out that both these occasions were in Phuket, where the police are probably more tourist-savvy than in most of Thailand. I had been stopped perhaps 8 times before then - on each occasion, the EU driving license was seen as OK by the cops, and I was waved on with no fine.

So it appears that many/most of the police in Phuket now know the difference between a standard driving licence, and one that is endorsed with a motorcycle license. Previously this was not the case. Your experiences may vary. Both roadblocks were in different parts of the island, and had several police pulling every motorbike (but no cars) over.

If you get pulled over in phuket, its not easy to 'not' be fined! I got pulled over along the beach once, I had my thai licence, tax, copy of green book, helmet - I mean there was nothing he could get me on... he ticketed me for not doing my strap up properly on my helmet, he stated the strap was not far enough under my chin!! no joke!! It was so ridiculous that I found it funny, paid and went on my way.

Thats not ridiculous at all.

I had mates fined for not having a pink book. Do not ask what pink book is, because there is no pink book.

The same guy was fined for having his bike too loud(Brand new, unmodified Elegance)

To prove the point of bike being loud, cop put it on the stand and revved it to the max.

[BirdsandBooze]

About 5 years ago I turned into the South Pattaya Road coming from Third Road, and after about 30 metres, along with 3 or 4 other bikes, turned right crossing the yellow line to go in the opposite direction. Copper stopped me, not the other drivers, all Thais. Told me it's illegal to cross the yellow line, 400 Baht, and that I had endangered the traffic, 400 Baht more. No I didn't, the light was red and all vehicles stopped. He was such an ugly git, and grinning happily already spending the 50% he would get from my fine in his mind. I didn't pay, forfeiting my license. Crossed the borders countless times since, no problem. No problem to pay tax and insurance, to get a Thai license, no trouble to register new bikes. Their systems are not as sophisticated as ours, and they have trouble to write foreign names down correctly. See the news section. My name contains an umlaut, so they're more likely to loose it. If the same cop stopped me again, he would not have recognized me. It's as difficult for them to recognize Farangs as it is for us to tell Asians apart. And they're not so bright, the traffic cops.

On the flip side of the coin I think farang cops would have far more difficulty writing down Thai names than their Thai counterparts show when writing farang names. Not all Thai cops are as daft as some farangs would have us believe, you know.

[docspinoff]

the info here seem very helpful. as been looking for my International licence all day thought i had lost it . got stopped yesterday turning left on a red light .( seems odd every one turns left on a red light) .

I remember him looking at my licence .he told me go to Pattaya police station. so i did within 4 hrs and paid 500 baht fine

got home could not find my International licence .

after reading these comments i see the policeman still has it .

he could have told me not to pay the fine the same day.!!!!!! as it seems it would be at the police station next day

i will hope to get it tomorrow !!!!!!

[BSJ]

Hi NomadJoe, thanks for sharing.

When did fines go up to 500 baht? I got schunked about 3 months ago and the fine was 400 baht.

[meechai]

the info here seem very helpful. as been looking for my International licence all day thought i had lost it . got stopped yesterday turning left on a red light .( seems odd every one turns left on a red light) .

I remember him looking at my licence .he told me go to Pattaya police station. so i did within 4 hrs and paid 500 baht fine

got home could not find my International licence .

after reading these comments i see the policeman still has it .

he could have told me not to pay the fine the same day.!!!!!! as it seems it would be at the police station next day

i will hope to get it tomorrow !!!!!!

Yeah left on red everyone does but it is usually illegal & a sign is usually posted a few meters before the turn/light in the left lane.

The cops like to set up right after as it is easy to see those who break the rule & pull them over.

Yes it is 500 now & next time...if there is a next time.... you ask the cop if you can just pay 200 now because

your busy. They will always take it & it is easier for you & them too.

Those against such practices please just ignore this part of the reply

Edited November 26, 2013 by meechai

[NomadJoe]

the info here seem very helpful. as been looking for my International licence all day thought i had lost it . got stopped yesterday turning left on a red light .( seems odd every one turns left on a red light) .

I remember him looking at my licence .he told me go to Pattaya police station. so i did within 4 hrs and paid 500 baht fine

got home could not find my International licence .

after reading these comments i see the policeman still has it .

he could have told me not to pay the fine the same day.!!!!!! as it seems it would be at the police station next day

i will hope to get it tomorrow !!!!!!

Yeah left on red everyone does but it is usually illegal & a sign is usually posted a few meters before the turn/light in the left lane.

The cops like to set up right after as it is easy to see those who break the rule & pull them over.

Yes it is 500 now & next time...if there is a next time.... you ask the cop if you can just pay 200 now because

your busy. They will always take it & it is easier for you & them too.

Those against such practices please just ignore this part of the reply

If the left turn red light is an arrow, then you cannot turn. If it is a normal red circle then you can turn but you have to stop first. Pointless discussion though as nobody stops at these no matter if they are an arrow or circle.

Never ever pay a the bribe to traffic cops in Thailand. You are just as much the problem as the cops. If everyone just stopped being lazy and paying the cops bribes, the cops would stop trying to pull people up for imagined offenses. (It's also illegal) I have never, and will never pay a bribe to a cop in Thailand, nor will I submit (easily) to being done for imagined offenses. Too loud exhaust on a stock bike, no "pink" book, helmet strap improperly positioned..<deleted>. I will sit there all day before letting someone steal 1 satang off me, especially someone in uniform. I happily pay any offense I am guilty of. If you can't bother learning the road and licensing laws in Thailand, then you shouldn't be driving.

Edited November 26, 2013 by NomadJoe

[LeCharivari]

An EU license is not valid here. Just go and get it back, pay the fine and get a Thai license, will save you a lot of hassle and you will get the Thai price at all these lovely attractions around the country.

Technically they are, depending on which country they are issued from, under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

Explaining that to the BiB and convincing them of it may well be a different matter, though, and most people here (Thai or farang, resident or tourist) take the pragmatic view that its far easier to hand over 100 baht on the spot than waste their time. Treat it as a "tax".