From 1 April 2026 onward, police will end the "warning before fine" policy and begin strictly enforcing traffic laws nationwide to promote a safer driving community.
Latest update on the "warning before fine" directive Following the government's prioritization of road safety, especially during high-travel festivals, the goal is to reduce fatalities to 12 per 100,000 population by 2027, through proactive integrated measures including law enforcement, minimizing road and vehicle risk factors, and promoting traffic discipline.
1. Short-term (urgent) Focus on public education about traffic laws, strengthening traffic discipline, and implementing measures for a reasonable period.
2. Medium-term Enforce laws strictly on 10 main violations and offenses that cause public nuisance.
3. Long-term (system setup) Integrate technology to support traffic operations.
The Royal Thai Police have carried out the first phase (urgent) by implementing the "warning before fine" policy. From 27 January to 31 March 2026, there were over 190,000 warnings issued for all traffic violations subject to fines by traffic officers through the PTM system since January.
The top five violations warned most frequently were: not wearing helmets, no driving license, not wearing seat belts, speeding beyond legal limits, and others such as missing license plates, using vehicles not matching registered type, and carrying uncovered loads.
Currently, the Traffic Management Center of the Royal Thai Police, led by Police General Samran Nualma (Deputy Commissioner of Police and Director of the Traffic Management Center), is driving these efforts, currently in phase 1 "warning before fine," effective until 31 March 2026.
After that, phase 2 will begin with full traffic law enforcement from 1 April 2026 onward to foster a safer driving society.
1. Speeding: fines up to 4,000 baht (previously 1,000 baht).
2. Running red lights: fines up to 4,000 baht (previously 1,000 baht).
3. Failing to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks: fines up to 4,000 baht.
4. Using a mobile phone while driving without hands-free devices: fines up to 4,000 baht.
5. Driving against traffic: fines up to 2,000 baht (previously 500 baht).
6. Not wearing helmets (driver and passenger): fines up to 2,000 baht.
7. Not wearing seat belts (driver and passengers): fines up to 2,000 baht.
8. Not carrying a driving license: fines up to 1,000 baht (may include imprisonment up to 1 month).
9. Driving under the influence of alcohol: fines from 5,000 to 20,000 baht and imprisonment up to 1 year.
10. Driving without regard for safety: fines from 5,000 to 20,000 baht and imprisonment up to 1 year.