Police mull special driver licence for big bikes

Excuse me ladies... Are you licensed riders?

BANGKOK: Police are considering a change to existing laws governing motorbike licences; specifically licences to drive big bikes.

If the draft currently being discussed comes into force, a special licence will be required for anyone wanting to ride a bike of 400cc or more, and they may get one of these licences only when they reach the age of 30.

Pol Col Ekkarak Limsunggas, Deputy Commander of the Traffic Division of the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok, is behind the drive to change.

He told The Phuket News today (April 9), “I was thinking about ways to improve safe driving on roads. That’s when I had this idea.

“Big bikes are heavy and have more power than normal motorbikes. We think that older people are more responsible on the road.

“We considered the engine size and are thinking of 400cc. But we are open to people’s opinions. Some have said the minimum age [for a big bike license] should be 20 or 25 rather than 30.

“Once the new rules come into force anyone who qualifies to drive a big bike can come and upgrade their license by redoing the driving test to show that they can handle a big bike safely and correctly.”

But he stressed that the details are by no means set in concrete yet.

He added, however, that whatever shape the new rules take, anyone caught riding a big bike on an ordinary bike licence is liable to be charged with driving without a licence.

“Police officers will be part of a committee to consider the idea with officials from the Ministry of Transport. We have just presented the concept to them.

“We expect the discussions to go ahead soon, with any changes to be brought into law by the end of this year. They will then apply to the whole country.”

His comments come as the annual Phuket Bike Week, which features many big bikes, is about to launch.

The managing director of the Bike Week organisers, Wittaya “Sumon” Singkalah, told The Phuket News, “If we had a special licence for big bikes that would be very good. We have to follow the law, anyway, and [many countries] abroad have licensing laws for big bikes.”

However, he disagreed about a minimum age limit being set. "I think it would be better for people to have an ordinary bike licence for two years before they can apply for an upgrade to a big bike licence.”

Thai law currently allows people over the age of 15 to ride bikes up to 110cc on a “temporary” licence. When they reach 18 they can get a full licence which allows them to ride any size of bike.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/police-mull-special-driver-licence-for-big-bikes-51815.php

-- Phuket News 2015-04-09

Good idea...

but what's the point when many bike riders do not bother with bike rider tuition, driving tests and licences.

Just another law to be ignored.

Edited April 9, 201511 yr by Basil B

If the 'big bike driving licence' test is anything like the small bike and car licence test....completely useless and a waste of time.

Most young kids can't afford a big bike, and they ride these little 125cc bikes like greased lightning anyway...

People that I know that can afford big bikes are usually older, have had a few bikes and are more careful.

...but I see his logic, and personally, I think it's in the right direction.

Here's a wild and crazy idea. Why not look at other country's motorcycle licensing schemes?

I know the EU scheme has it s detractors, but one of the benefits for other countries adopting the same scheme, especially with regard to the power limitations, is that the licensing levels will correspond well to the actual motorcycles being sold.

Is this too rational?

If riders with this license can then use these big bikes on the tollways, it is definitely a good thing.

Why was it moved out from the bike section, it belongs there more than here.

Good that Pol Col Ekkarak Limsunggas was thinking, it shows that some people can actually do that and come up with some fine ideas and I also appreciate that he's open to suggestions.

A suggestion from me would be to lower (or forget) the age limitation (some Motogp riders are in their early 20s and riding big bikes). Do a proper test instead. Also would be nice if they can allow the BB with "upgraded" license on the tollways and forget the retarded "Left Lane" rule.

It's not the big bikes. It is the punks on the 110 waves hauling ass at 100 kph in traffic. Try enforcing the law.

Excellent idea!!

Especially if it means, you can only rent a Big Bike if you have a Big Bike licence.

That will prevent many tourists from getting killed and injured each year!!

Where do I submit my opinion?

Most young kids can't afford a big bike, and they ride these little 125cc bikes like greased lightning anyway...

People that I know that can afford big bikes are usually older, have had a few bikes and are more careful.

...but I see his logic, and personally, I think it's in the right direction.

I also see his logic. BIB will be able to pull over every big bike they see. They will know that big bike drivers have more money. No special license? That will cost you 1000 baht! Great money making scheme for the BIB. They won't have to squeeze 100 baht from the kids riding without helmets from now on and that means less work for more money.

I don't think big bikes have higher accident rates in Thailand. If there was such a study, I might support the proposed licensing law. But, this is Thailand and I know they don't compile accident report statistics. Otherwise. a lot of hazardous road conditions would have been fixed by now.

Most young kids can't afford a big bike, and they ride these little 125cc bikes like greased lightning anyway...

People that I know that can afford big bikes are usually older, have had a few bikes and are more careful.

...but I see his logic, and personally, I think it's in the right direction.

I also see his logic. BIB will be able to pull over every big bike they see. They will know that big bike drivers have more money. No special license? That will cost you 1000 baht! Great money making scheme for the BIB. They won't have to squeeze 100 baht from the kids riding without helmets from now on and that means less work for more money.

I don't think big bikes have higher accident rates in Thailand. If there was such a study, I might support the proposed licensing law. But, this is Thailand and I know they don't compile accident report statistics. Otherwise. a lot of hazardous road conditions would have been fixed by now.

Why do you think the big bike riders would be riding without a proper license? BB riders are most of the time (!!!) properly geared and have better riding skills which in the most cases (!!!) translates into bigger brains.

I'd expect there will be a transition phase to allow the current BB riders to switch over to a new license.

Ya because big bikes cause all the major road accident deaths. Where do these muppets get these ideas?

Where do I submit my opinion?

lol.

What about all the spoiled 17-y/o Hi-so Thai brats on there 1000cc superbikes? The ones the most dangerous won't follow the law anyway...

What about all the spoiled 17-y/o Hi-so Thai brats on there 1000cc superbikes? The ones the most dangerous won't follow the law anyway...

Wasn't it a 19 y.o on his ducati that killed the tourist recently? These kids are dangerous enough on a 110 cc let alone a 1000 cc bike. They need more strict licencing across the board (especially practical testing). And a change in attitude, from "well, if I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die", to "maybe I should wear a helmet and not drive drunken" to reduce the risk of dying. Many Thais, in particular low educated ones, believe too much in fate and thus throw caution to the wind.

Brain-snapping license test for big bike riders

Question 3: When you sit astride your Honda Goldwing does it matter if your legs touch the ground?

A) No. You can jump off and hold the bike up. Or engage the side stand, like pretty bloody quickly.

B.) No. You chumps not heard of elevator shoes? Does Banharn not mean anything to you?

C) Yes. If your legs don't touch the ground, how can you flee the scene? Dumbassss.

D) Yes. Just "yes", OK already? Sometimes you need to listen to me. "Yes" means "yes", so tick the ferking box.

Question 4: How many people are allowed on a big bike.

A) Driving a tank on a public road is OK.

B.) You can double park next to a school.

C) 151 metres.

D) Yes. Tickkkkk the ..... boxxxxxx.

Edited April 9, 201511 yr by WitawatWatawit

I don't think the bike bikes are the major cause of accidents in Thailand. Kids not old enough for there feet to touch the floor riding the 110cc small bikes with two of there mates on board must be a big cause of accidents.

The above said the biggest problem with the roads in Thailand are the BIB and there lack of law enforcement.

I have lost count how many times I have seen people/kids ride past cops when going in the wrong direction down a road overloaded and without helmets and the cops do nothing.

You can pass all the laws you like but until the cops start doing there job nothing will change.

A proper driving test for bikes and cars would help and a system of progressive licenses for bike would also help. Start at say max 110cc then max 400 then open. With perhaps 20 years as the minimum age for the open class. The bigger the bike the harder the test. Problem is who is going to run these tests with all due respect I don't think the ladies in the Land transport department have the qualifications to do so.

The above said 30 years old for a big bike license will do nothing without the strict driver tests.

Ya because big bikes cause all the major road accident deaths. Where do these muppets get these ideas?

A lot of Big Bike riding tourists gets killed each year, because they are able to rent a BB on their library card, and are not able to handle heavy powered machines.

So like it or not, a special licence actually makes a lot of sense.......................

Odd! Why has an article about bikes been moved from the bikes section? Is there a government official in charge of Thaivisa now?

Good idea. But if you fail the test you can pay some money to pass. Unless you have a family member or friend at the DLT then you pass for free without even turning up.

Can't be bothered with the test? No connections? No worries, just pay the cop off when he stops you. Even if you're 100% legal he'll try and fleece you anyway so what's the difference right?

More and more laws, and still no police force to enforce it.

I'd suggest removing corruption in the RTP before passing more laws that won't be enforced. Shouldn't take more than 50 years or so if they start now...

Here's a wild and crazy idea. Why not look at other country's motorcycle licensing schemes?

I know the EU scheme has it s detractors, but one of the benefits for other countries adopting the same scheme, especially with regard to the power limitations, is that the licensing levels will correspond well to the actual motorcycles being sold.

Is this too rational?

It's too pain in the ass.

EU and Swiss licensing schemes are actually discouraging anyone from riding a bike, and bike traffic laws are overly cautious and confining, in addition to the prohibitive cost of training for the license.

I think a license for big bikes is okay, provided they allow big bikes on tollways and do away with the left lane rule for big bikes. I'd probably lower the cc to 250 and lower the age to 25.

Edited April 9, 201511 yr by manarak

Even if you're 100% legal he'll try and fleece you anyway so what's the difference right?

In 10 years and probably 50-80 stops, I've never once been fined for something that wasn't illegal.

But the so called best country in the free world, the good ole US of A doesn't have a special or tiered licensing for bigger bikes and isn't that the country that we all aspire to be like?

There has to be some laws.. this is at least a start.

If not there will be more big bikes getting damaged.

There is a 18 year old in my condo that has a BMW S1000rr (ok i am jealous).. I would hate to think that one day that bike could get damaged.

Brilliant idea, although I do have a bit of a concern about the minimum
age of 30, maybe 21 or 25 would be more reasonable but, as it's already
been suggested, a minimum of maybe 2 years accident free driving on
"small" bikes at any age should be a requirement.

Kids under 18 should only be permitted to drive bicycles, electric bikes
or scooters up to 50cc. Sure would reduce accident rates dramatically.

Recent European research showed that almost two thirds of the riders
killed on roads outside towns where aged over 30 and were riding bikes
over 500 cc.

So even at 60 (for all of those reborn "Easy Riders" who can now afford

"BIG bikes ) one should need to prove two years accident free driving
on "small" bikes.

Although foremost of all would be to reinforce existing laws without

exception, otherwise it's just an other meaning less bit of toilet paper.

"Thai law currently allows people over the age of 15 to ride bikes up to 110cc on a “temporary” licence. " <deleted> I did not know this, and I think the most people here in Isaan do not know it. Here they drive bikes up to 200 cc before they are 8 years old. Sometimes drunk also. How will you enforce this new rules ? Ask god, or something similar for help ?

I think the safe age for any Thai for driving a big bike should be 90 years.

"Thai law currently allows people over the age of 15 to ride bikes up to 110cc on a “temporary” licence. " <deleted> I did not know this, and I think the most people here in Isaan do not know it. Here they drive bikes up to 200 cc before they are 8 years old. Sometimes drunk also. How will you enforce this new rules ? Ask god, or something similar for help ?

Drunk 8 year old on a 200cc?

Got to give the kid some credit for pulling that off.

Nothing is done, that I see anyway, about children whose feet can't touch the ground happily riding around and usually with as many pals on board as they can get. They go to school like this and are seen by parents, teachers and police but ... !

The BIB, like all Thai officials, love getting headlines with grandiose ideas and that's about it until the next headline grabbing nonsense.