Legality of hand controls?

[Crossy]

OK, it doesn't affect me, but the unexpected can hit any of us at any time. If I was confined to a wheelchair I could still do my job (I have minions who could do site visits whilst I languished in air-conditioned offices) but without being independently mobile I'd be stuffed.

 

Does anyone know the legality of hand controls for a car here in Thailand?

 

Assuming decent upper-body strength and mobility, back home in the UK it would be no problem, auto-box, steering wheel spinner, hand controls and you're mobile. The toughest part being getting in and out of the vehicle (not something to be taken lightly).

 

Anyone remember those horrible blue Invacar tricycles?

 

 

Universally decried as slow and lethal they could be fitted out to be driven with pretty well any functional appendage, they gave mobility to many.

 

Thoughts, experiences?

 

[Mrjlh]

"Hand spinner" which I need, has caused no issues for me in 11 years here on three different cars.  Just beware of having long sleeves on, they can get hung up on the spinner and you lose control if not paying attention.  Why some outlawed them.  Other than that never a problem. Helps to have a handicap permit too.  Did see on Thai with a modified van for his wheelchair and steering control in Korat years ago (around 2012?). Haven't seen him since so not sure of his status. Must have cost him a bundle because equipment needs to special ordered or specially built.

[buasaard]

Quite an old thread, however I just noticed. I'm disabled and I have hand controls.
About the legality, you have to pass first to the engineer authorized by the land transport office, in Phuket it was at Politechnic school near Vachira hospital. With the certificate issued you go to the land transport and undergo the test of efficiency, then will write on the car book.

Anyway there is a company in Bangkok now they make hand controls, and release a certificate, it's called Siam Nissin.
I asked the price, two years ago it was about 30,000 baht. I still use my old ones.
Regarding the driving license, disabled have to make the driving test also if they have international driving license, then go to look the clip for a couple of hours with the most terrible accidents. Unfortunately in Phuket the room  is upstairs, and I had to climb the steps one after the other sitting with the help of my wife, when I will have to renew next year I don't know how to do because I don't manage anymore. Maybe I will try to renew somewhere else.

Hope this can help someone.

Edited October 8, 2017 by buasaard