Thailand's new traffic laws will be based on the more stringent model of Japan, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) announced on May 7. (Source: bangkokpost.com)Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand's new traffic laws will be basedon the more stringent model of Japan, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) announcedon May 7.
The MOT has been working with the JapaneseMinistry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on this issue, saidMOT’s Permanent Deputy Secretary Chirute Visalachitra.
MLIT has shared knowledge about its success inusing a point-deduction licence system to improve discipline among Japanesedrivers, said Chirute.
The systemwill be incorporated into the new land transport bill which merges the 1979Automobile Act with the 1979 Land Transport Act, and is currently entering thefinal stages of drafting.
However, Chirutedid not spell out when the system will come into force as it requires thedatabases of a number of related agencies to be linked.
In thedraft bill, failing to stop at traffic lights would mean two points beingdeducted and a fine of between 1,800 baht and 3,200 baht (56-100 USD).
Failure tostop or slow down to allow pedestrians to use a crossing point will be fined upto 4,000 baht (125 USD).
Licenceswill be suspended for up to 180 days if more than six points are deducted inany three-year period.
Drink-drivingcarries a potential 35-point penalty, a maximum jail term of five years and/orfine of up to 300,000 baht (9,300 USD), as well as five-year driving licencesuspension.
Passengersand owners (if not the driver) cars involved in cases of drink-driving chargewill also bear legal responsibility.-VNA
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