Bangkok motorcyclists beware! – no license and cops will take your bike!

Bangkok police have said that from next week motorcyclists riding without a license and insurance will have their bikes taken away, albeit temporarily.

The announcement comes after a ministerial level meeting was held Tuesday in which orders were issued to get tough with the illegal activity of motorcyclists, reported Thai Rath.

Those who drive the wrong way, drive on the sidewalk and break the speed limit can also expect to be fined between 500 and a 1,000 baht.

Announcing the news Withaya Prayongphan of the met police said that he had instructed all 88 metropolitan police stations to get tough after orders from national police chief Jakrathip Chaijinda came following a ministerial level meeting about traffic and road accidents on Tuesday.

He said that statistics gathered at Songkran showed that 30-40% of motorcyclists involved in accidents had no license or insurance.

He was referring to the Phor Ror Bor insurance that costs bikers about 600 baht annually for cover. Licenses cannot be renewed unless this has been paid up front.

Withaya said that confiscation of vehicles would be temporary.

Fines for other illegal driving offences would be as follows:

Driving in the wrong direction: 500 baht.

Driving on the footpath: 400 to 1,000 baht

Not wearing a helmet: 500 baht.

Thai Visa / Thai Rath

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