Caught Red-Handed!! Not Buckling Up? Expect a Fine... You Will Get Caught!!

            There have been numerous reports of car accidents, especially during festive seasons, with many lives lost on the roads. Some blame drunk driving, others point to poor road conditions. All these factors lead to loss. Many people violate traffic laws, which is why the transport system has implemented order No. 14/2560, granting authority to inspect all vehicles and allowing immediate payment of fines. Additionally, there is a deduction of 30 points; if you lose more than 60 points, you must undergo retraining.

            Furthermore, there is a “Mandatory” law requiring all vehicles to have seat belts as per the Land Transport Act of 1979. This law states that all types of registered trucks since April 1, 2012, must have seat belts installed for the driver and front passenger seats. Public vans, both regular and non-regular, must have seat belts for every seat in every vehicle on all routes. Buses operating between Bangkok and other provinces, as well as interprovincial buses, must have seat belts for every seat in every vehicle on all routes. Small transport vehicles registered since January 1, 1994, must have seat belts for the driver and front passenger seats.

The installation of seat belts according to the 1979 Motor Vehicle Act is divided into 4 groups

Group 1 includes sedans, taxis, limousines, and 4-door pickups. Vehicles registered before January 1, 1988, will not have seat belts installed at all. However, those registered between January 1, 1988, and December 1, 2010, must have seat belts for the driver and front passenger. From January 1, 2011, all seats must have seat belts; failure to comply will result in penalties.

Group 2 consists of personal vans registered for more than 7 but not exceeding 15 passengers. Vehicles registered before January 1, 1994, will not have seat belts installed. However, from April 1, 2012, all seats must have seat belts; failure to comply will result in penalties.

Group 3 includes pickups and songthaews with seating in the back for passengers and cargo. The law states that they should carry goods and animals only, prohibiting passengers from sitting in the back. It is mandatory to wear seat belts in the front seats; failure to comply will result in penalties.

Group 4 includes small four-wheeled vehicles or tuk-tuks, which since April 1, 2012, must have seat belts for 2 people in the front; failure to comply will result in penalties.

            There are 2 types of mandatory seat belts

1. The lap and shoulder belt with 3 points, used for the driver and front passenger seats.

2. The lap belt with 2 points, used for the middle seat.

            From now on, there will be stricter enforcement, whether in Bangkok or upcountry. Everyone must buckle up in every seat, including the driver and front passenger, as well as all other seats. Anyone who violates this will be caught and fined, with a maximum fine of 500 baht.

In the case of taxi drivers who do not buckle up, if the driver provides the seat belt and informs the passenger but the passenger does not comply, if police find them not wearing a seat belt, both will be fined 100 baht. Therefore, every seat must have a seat belt for the safety of life and to reduce serious injuries in case of an accident, ultimately reducing loss of life.

Currently, there is an emergency medical service available at 1669, 24 hours a day. However, this service does not guarantee safety... that danger will not occur if we do not take care of ourselves.

Nevertheless, do not forget to buckle your seat belt and drive carefully for your safety, so you can stay with your loved ones for a long time.

Article by: TerraBKK Knowledge Base

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