Driving in Thailand

[Espen]

What is the reason that so many cars drive in the right lane on the highway?

Is there some law I don`t know about here that makes it ok to do that?

I haven`t been up north, west or in the south much, but here in Isaan people seem to rather stay in the right lane.

When I drive in Bankok it is different. They seem to use the right lane as it is supposed to be used.

[MeMock]

Left hand lanes are full of motorbikes/tak taks with trailers and buffaloes heading to and from the field. This is something most drivers want to avoid. The other reason is that many farmers dry crops on the verge and if you are in the left hand land it is sometimes hard to avoid running over it.

[ThaidDown]

While you are not supposed to stay in the outside lane there seem to be many reasons for being there

Just some that come to mind...

1, The inside lane is full of potholes

2, I cannot be bothered to return to an inner lane, I'll have to move back to overtake soon

3, I'm going to turn right 5Km up the road

4, 'Do you know who I am'

5, I never thought about it

6, I'm just being bloody minded.

Sure there are plenty more reasons.

I

[Espen]

Left hand lanes are full of motorbikes/tak taks with trailers and buffaloes heading to and from the field. This is something most drivers want to avoid. The other reason is that many farmers dry crops on the verge and if you are in the left hand land it is sometimes hard to avoid running over it.

I can relate to that. But when somebody comes from behind at a higher speed they don`t move and the faster car has to overtake in the left lane making the situation more dangerous because of the things you mention.

[Espen]

While you are not supposed to stay in the outside lane there seem to be many reasons for being there

Just some that come to mind...

1, The inside lane is full of potholes

2, I cannot be bothered to return to an inner lane, I'll have to move back to overtake soon

3, I'm going to turn right 5Km up the road

4, 'Do you know who I am'

5, I never thought about it

6, I'm just being bloody minded.

Sure there are plenty more reasons.

I

So there is no law that says it`s ok? Your reason nr. 6 seems the most appropriate most times.

[ubonjoe]

There is a law that says you should not drive in the right lane. That is probably the most common reason people are pulled over at highway police check points.

I have even been pulled over when I was passing slow trucks in the left lane.

Edited June 24, 2013 by ubonjoe

[Espen]

There is a law that says you should not drive in the right lane. That is probably the most common reason people are pulled over at highway police check points.

I have even been pulled over when I was passing slow trucks in the left lane.

It seems my understanding of the law is correct then, except that you are allowed to pass slow trucks. I just got so annoyed today because of a police truck driving in 70 km/h in the right lane. It got me wondering......

But I guess the laws here are what the police say they are, at that particular time.

[ThaidDown]

While you are not supposed to stay in the outside lane there seem to be many reasons for being there

Just some that come to mind...

1, The inside lane is full of potholes

2, I cannot be bothered to return to an inner lane, I'll have to move back to overtake soon

3, I'm going to turn right 5Km up the road

4, 'Do you know who I am'

5, I never thought about it

6, I'm just being bloody minded.

Sure there are plenty more reasons.

I

So there is no law that says it`s ok? Your reason nr. 6 seems the most appropriate most times.

To make it clear, the 'I' in the reasons refers to the drivers in the outside lane not to me.

To add to Ubonjoe s post, if, on an unfamiliar road, you suddenly see every driver duck into the inside lane then follow suit as there could well be a known police check up ahead.

[Espen]

While you are not supposed to stay in the outside lane there seem to be many reasons for being there

Just some that come to mind...

1, The inside lane is full of potholes

2, I cannot be bothered to return to an inner lane, I'll have to move back to overtake soon

3, I'm going to turn right 5Km up the road

4, 'Do you know who I am'

5, I never thought about it

6, I'm just being bloody minded.

Sure there are plenty more reasons.

I

So there is no law that says it`s ok? Your reason nr. 6 seems the most appropriate most times.

To make it clear, the 'I' in the reasons refers to the drivers in the outside lane not to me.

To add to Ubonjoe s post, if, on an unfamiliar road, you suddenly see every driver duck into the inside lane then follow suit as there could well be a known police check up ahead.

No worries, the "I" was clear. Just to be clear. lol

[KhunBENQ]

I have even been pulled over when I was passing slow trucks in the left lane.

Next time you take the Thai lawbook with you, section 45

Section 45 (400-1000B)

[No driver shall overtake another vehicle from the left-side unless:

a. the vehicle to be overtaken is making a right turn or has given a signal that he is

going to make a right turn

b. the roadway is arranged with two or more traffic lanes in the same direction.]

To me this says: not forbidden to pass on the left!

http://thailaws.com/law/t_laws/tlaw0140_5.pdf or:

http://www.thailawonline.com/en/thai-laws/laws-of-thailand/159-land-traffic-act-be-2522-1979.html

Edited June 24, 2013 by KhunBENQ

[ubonjoe]

The trucks were in the left lane not me.

[Espen]

The trucks were in the left lane not me.

Then you got ripped off mate.

[SlyAnimal]

I can relate to that. But when somebody comes from behind at a higher speed they don`t move and the faster car has to overtake in the left lane making the situation more dangerous because of the things you mention.

Overtake in the left lane?

Nah, just overtake on the right instead, the suckers on the other side have 2 lanes as well, if you flash your lights at them, they'll move over into the slow lane instead.

Don't worry about those double yellow lines in between, you're going at 140 already, so if the police saw you you'd be toast anyway. But then, everyone knows the police don't care, and even if they did, everyone knows they knock off at 11am, only work mon-fri and take the day off if it's raining, so your chances of being caught are pretty slim. Not to mention that if you tell them you're in a hurry for a meeting with the local MP, they'll give you a discount on any fine you might have otherwise paid lol

And on a slightly more serious note, I agree that the inside lane is full of potholes + slow tractors/motorcycles + traffic slowing to turn left + generally just being lazy.

My personal pet hate though, is the cars who have 2 lanes, but "wobble" between the two, so that you're scared to overtake them, as they might try and change while you're overtaking. Or the ones who simply drive in the middle lane. I get particularly worried when I have 2 lanes, and want to overtake or even drive next to someone on a corner, as the majority of drivers I see in this area can't turn a corner/curve without crossing into the second lane.

[Espen]

I can relate to that. But when somebody comes from behind at a higher speed they don`t move and the faster car has to overtake in the left lane making the situation more dangerous because of the things you mention.

Overtake in the left lane?

Nah, just overtake on the right instead, the suckers on the other side have 2 lanes as well, if you flash your lights at them, they'll move over into the slow lane instead.

Don't worry about those double yellow lines in between, you're going at 140 already, so if the police saw you you'd be toast anyway. But then, everyone knows the police don't care, and even if they did, everyone knows they knock off at 11am, only work mon-fri and take the day off if it's raining, so your chances of being caught are pretty slim. Not to mention that if you tell them you're in a hurry for a meeting with the local MP, they'll give you a discount on any fine you might have otherwise paid lol

I do flash my lights to make them move over sometimes, but by the time they move over I have already had to slow down to their speed. It is just so bloody annoying. It is usually easier just to drive slalom.

I was just wondering if there were some new law that allowed cars to stay in the right lane since it is more common now than it was a couple of years ago. I guess they are just being selfish as is usual in the traffic here.

Edited June 24, 2013 by Espen

[sirchai]

What is the reason that so many cars drive in the right lane on the highway?

Go and make your Thai driver's license. Made my second five year one a few years ago wearing a full cast at one leg.

. Still outstanding when it came to the break reaction test. My fellow test takers slept when they showed the movie about the dangers on these roads.

But I saw the whole movie......-

[sirchai]

I can relate to that. But when somebody comes from behind at a higher speed they don`t move and the faster car has to overtake in the left lane making the situation more dangerous because of the things you mention.

Overtake in the left lane?

Nah, just overtake on the right instead, the suckers on the other side have 2 lanes as well, if you flash your lights at them, they'll move over into the slow lane instead.

Don't worry about those double yellow lines in between, you're going at 140 already, so if the police saw you you'd be toast anyway. But then, everyone knows the police don't care, and even if they did, everyone knows they knock off at 11am, only work mon-fri and take the day off if it's raining, so your chances of being caught are pretty slim. Not to mention that if you tell them you're in a hurry for a meeting with the local MP, they'll give you a discount on any fine you might have otherwise paid lol

And on a slightly more serious note, I agree that the inside lane is full of potholes + slow tractors/motorcycles + traffic slowing to turn left + generally just being lazy.

My personal pet hate though, is the cars who have 2 lanes, but "wobble" between the two, so that you're scared to overtake them, as they might try and change while you're overtaking. Or the ones who simply drive in the middle lane. I get particularly worried when I have 2 lanes, and want to overtake or even drive next to someone on a corner, as the majority of drivers I see in this area can't turn a corner/curve without crossing into the second lane.

Took my head lights off, as I'm fed up with these ROWDIES.......

[Espen]

What is the reason that so many cars drive in the right lane on the highway?

Go and make your Thai driver's license. Made my second five year one a few years ago wearing a full cast at one leg.

. Still outstanding when it came to the break reaction test. My fellow test takers slept when they showed the movie about the dangers on these roads.

But I saw the whole movie......-

Lol, good one. My wife couldn`t pass the test after 3 tries, so she just paid the instructor 1000 baht and that was that.

[thrilled]

I see people driving stupid all over the world not just thailand.What really irks me is the rolling road block.2 lanes 2 cars driving next to each other.Same speed limit.It makes me crazy.

[sirchai]

What is the reason that so many cars drive in the right lane on the highway?

Go and make your Thai driver's license. Made my second five year one a few years ago wearing a full cast at one leg.

. Still outstanding when it came to the break reaction test. My fellow test takers slept when they showed the movie about the dangers on these roads.

But I saw the whole movie......-

Lol, good one. My wife couldn`t pass the test after 3 tries, so she just paid the instructor 1000 baht and that was that.

And now she's one of them driving with 45 km/h on the right lane....

[Espen]

What is the reason that so many cars drive in the right lane on the highway?

Go and make your Thai driver's license. Made my second five year one a few years ago wearing a full cast at one leg.

. Still outstanding when it came to the break reaction test. My fellow test takers slept when they showed the movie about the dangers on these roads.

But I saw the whole movie......-

Lol, good one. My wife couldn`t pass the test after 3 tries, so she just paid the instructor 1000 baht and that was that.

And now she's one of them driving with 45 km/h on the right lane....

Haha. No she isn`t. I make sure of that.

She didn`t pass because of stupid mistakes like touching the curbe a bit when parking next to it, so I said ok to the bribe. When in Rome right?

[Torrens54]

While you are not supposed to stay in the outside lane there seem to be many reasons for being there

Just some that come to mind...

1, The inside lane is full of potholes

2, I cannot be bothered to return to an inner lane, I'll have to move back to overtake soon

3, I'm going to turn right 5Km up the road

4, 'Do you know who I am'

5, I never thought about it

6, I'm just being bloody minded.

Sure there are plenty more reasons.

I

.... and don't forget, you "silly Farang" that the Left Lane is also for the use of Motorbike Riders who are traveling in the OPPOSITE Direction to everyone else!!! Honestly, "we farang MUST learn to be more compassionate."

[Torrens54]

What is the reason that so many cars drive in the right lane on the highway?

Go and make your Thai driver's license. Made my second five year one a few years ago wearing a full cast at one leg.

. Still outstanding when it came to the break reaction test. My fellow test takers slept when they showed the movie about the dangers on these roads.

But I saw the whole movie......-

Lol, good one. My wife couldn`t pass the test after 3 tries, so she just paid the instructor 1000 baht and that was that.

Happy to say that "Not All Thai Drivers are MAD Drivers." My wife has been driving a car since she was a teenager. When we moved to Australia for a few years she fronted up for a Western Australian MDL. They wouldn't accept her Thai MDL as any sort of proof that she'd be safe to let on Aussie roads.

She had to then pass a written (in English) Test and do an actual Driving Test. Sure the written test was of the "multible Choice" variety but when I saw the BOOK she had to study, I was very glad that I didn't have to go back and re-sit the same test. Well, the big day came and my "darling driver" got 100%. She then did the "on road" test with an examiner alongside of her. No money changed hands but she Passed the Test first time. As I said, "not All Thai drivers are bad drivers," just that there are more of them here!

[ALFREDO]

I have even been pulled over when I was passing slow trucks in the left lane.

Next time you take the Thai lawbook with you, section 45

Section 45 (400-1000B)

[No driver shall overtake another vehicle from the left-side unless:

a. the vehicle to be overtaken is making a right turn or has given a signal that he is

going to make a right turn

b. the roadway is arranged with two or more traffic lanes in the same direction.]

To me this says: not forbidden to pass on the left!

http://thailaws.com/law/t_laws/tlaw0140_5.pdf or:

http://www.thailawonline.com/en/thai-laws/laws-of-thailand/159-land-traffic-act-be-2522-1979.html

Good to know -KhunBENQ-

Greetings to Chumphe.

[ubonjoe]

The trucks were in the left lane not me.

Then you got ripped off mate.

I pointed out to the officer about the trucks and did not pay the fine.

[Espen]

The trucks were in the left lane not me.

Then you got ripped off mate.

I pointed out to the officer about the trucks and did not pay the fine.

Good for you.

I got pulled over once for avoiding a pothole as wide as my car. I asked the officer if he could show me how it would be possible to drive through that big hole in 90 km/h without damaging their car. He did not want to show me and let me off with a warning.

[personchester]

Left hand lanes are full of motorbikes/tak taks with trailers and buffaloes heading to and from the field. This is something most drivers want to avoid. The other reason is that many farmers dry crops on the verge and if you are in the left hand land it is sometimes hard to avoid running over it.

I can relate to that. But when somebody comes from behind at a higher speed they don`t move and the faster car has to overtake in the left lane making the situation more dangerous because of the things you mention.

Many drivers, use the so called right fast lane as the slow left lane, and those that drive faster will reach them, if they don't move to the left then light flashing and tooting will be done, as a result many move over to the left lane.

With those that don't we have to overtake them via the left lane, with strong engine "kick-downs" this can be done within free space of 50 meters then get back into the fast right lane again, and then do the same again with the next cars in front etc ...

[kimamey]

I've no idea what the law is but on roads with 2 or 3 lanes in each direction the left hand lane is often too uneven to be usable particularly if your not in a pickup.

The wife's Honda Jazz was bought under the first car scheme so she has to keep it for 5 years before she can sell it. I would imagine before it gets to that stage the suspension will need replacing.

[Cuban]

I asked the officer if he could show me how it would be possible to drive through that big hole in 90 km/h without damaging their car. He did not want to show me and let me off with a warning.

Have you never noticed how that the favored locations for police to set up their capture and taxation points are in the shade of large trees, on the brow of a hill and just after pot-holed and rutted sections of highway?

I've no idea what the law is ......

Why not?

The book on Thai driving and road law costs 90 Baht and is sold everywhere.

The wife's Honda Jazz was bought under the first car scheme so she has to keep it for 5 years before she can sell it. I would imagine before it gets to that stage the suspension will need replacing.

Surely the only person to consider that they will be in a sellers market when the 5 years it up.

[selftaopath]

I've no idea what the law is ......

Why not?

I would ask: Why bother. Is this a country with Rule of Law. LOL Rules??? in Thailand???? LOL good one.

The book on Thai driving and road law costs 90 Baht and is sold everywhere.

The wife's Honda Jazz was bought under the first car scheme so she has to keep it for 5 years before she can sell it. I would imagine before it gets to that stage the suspension will need replacing.

Surely the only person to consider that they will be in a sellers market when the 5 years it up.

[selftaopath]

Why not buy a book of rules re: driving in Land of Scams?

I would ask: Why bother. Is this a country with Rule of Law. LOL Rules??? in Thailand???? LOL good one. Hell I'd wager 98 percent of Thai drivers/mc riders DON'T have a license and have not idea a/b road etiquette/rules etc. Am I wrong?