The behavior of "slow driving in the right lane" often stems from several causes, including the physical condition of the road, personal convenience, and misunderstandings of traffic regulations. Poor left lane conditions: On many roads in Thailand, the left lane is often damaged, with potholes or uneven surfaces caused by heavy truck traffic. This leads drivers to choose the right lane, where the pavement is smoother, for a softer ride and to protect their vehicle's suspension.
Convenience in driving: The left lane often has frequent obstacles, such as vehicles entering from side streets, parked cars, motorcycles, or very slow trucks. Staying in the right lane allows drivers to travel longer distances without frequent braking or lane changes.
Belief that "driving at the legal speed means no need to yield": Some drivers believe that if they drive at the maximum legal speed (for example, 90 or 120 km/h), they have the right to remain in the right lane continuously and do not need to yield to faster vehicles, considering those faster vehicles as violating speed laws.
Habit and lack of awareness: Some drivers may not check their rearview mirrors or lack awareness that the right lane is intended only for "passing." After overtaking, they should return to the left lane.
Preparing to turn or make a U-turn: In some cases, vehicles may slow down to prepare for a right turn or to enter a U-turn point ahead.
If encountering a slow vehicle lingering in the right lane, signal politely to ask for way. Using high beams or flashing lights behind the vehicle should be done only once. Repeated flashing may cause the driver ahead to feel pressured or harassed, sometimes leading to braking suddenly. To avoid escalating tensions, if the vehicle does not yield, finding a safe opportunity to overtake on the left lane (although this is less safe as it uses the slow lane to pass a slower vehicle in the right lane) may be a better option than tailgating, which could lead to road conflicts. Certainly, many drivers refuse to yield, while many do yield even when the left lane is available.
Important information about the law and etiquette.
Illegal behavior: Driving slowly in the right lane is a violation under the Land Traffic Act, punishable by a fine of up to 1,000 baht, even if driving at the legal speed. However, if a faster vehicle approaches, the slower driver must move to the left to allow passage.
Safety: Lingering in the right lane forces other vehicles to overtake on the left, which carries a higher risk of accidents due to more blind spots.
Handling slow vehicles in the right lane should focus on safety and reducing conflicts, following these guidelines and legal penalties.
Safe and courteous ways to handle the situation.
Signal politely to request way.
Turn on the right turn signal to indicate to the vehicle ahead that you intend to overtake.
Flash high beams once or twice: Use this to warn the vehicle ahead that a faster vehicle is approaching. Do not keep high beams on or flash continuously, as this may startle or anger the driver, potentially leading to road disputes.
Honk briefly: If signaling does not prompt the vehicle to yield, a short horn beep may be used once as a warning.
Maintain a safe distance: Avoid tailgating because if the front vehicle brakes suddenly, it can cause an accident and create pressure that may provoke irritation.
Find a safe opportunity to overtake on the left: If signaling does not cause the vehicle ahead to move, and the left lane is clear enough for a safe pass, choose to overtake on the left instead of tailgating.
Control your emotions: If encountering rude or deliberately slow drivers in the right lane, the best approach is to "stay calm and find your own way" to avoid conflict or accidents that are not worth the risk.
Details of penalties under the law: Driving slowly in the right lane is an offense under the Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979) as follows.
Offense for not driving close to the left edge of the road: Sections 34 and 35 require drivers to keep to the far-left lane except when overtaking or obstructed. Penalty: A fine of up to 500 baht (Section 148), or in some cases up to 1,000 baht if considered a minor offense.
Offense for obstructing traffic: Driving slowly in the right lane causing traffic congestion or preventing other vehicles from overtaking is a violation under Section 43. Penalty: Fine between 400 and 1,000 baht.
License point deduction: Currently, a point-based penalty system is enforced, and obstructing traffic by slow driving in the right lane may also result in points being deducted from the driver's license.
Arkom Ruamsuwan
E-Mailchang.arcom@thairath.co.th
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/chang.arcom
https://www.facebook.com/ARCOM-CHANG-Thairath-Online-525369247505358/