The government invites drivers of “sidecar motorcycles” to have their vehicles inspected and registered as “RY.12” in accordance with the law, with a tax fee of 150 baht, to ensure proper and lawful use along with legal protection.
14 Jun 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Ploytale Laksamee Sangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that the government, through the Department of Land Transport under the Ministry of Transport, has reviewed and improved the registration guidelines for sidecar motorcycles. This aims to encourage the public to register their vehicles properly and to ensure the vehicles are safe and suitable for use. It also supports the group of "community economy vehicles," such as mobile vendors, sidecar motorcycles, and other community-based vehicles, which many people rely on as tools for their livelihoods and have long been part of Thai communities.
Sidecar motorcycles can be registered as vehicle type “RY.12,” which is the legal category for sidecar motorcycles. Vehicle owners can submit applications, bring their vehicles for inspection, and pay the tax, which is set at 150 baht for sidecar motorcycles.
Ms. Ploytale added that sidecar motorcycles to be registered must have safety features appropriate for their use. The key specifications for sidecar vehicles are defined as follows: Length not exceeding 1.75 meters, height not exceeding 2 meters, width not exceeding 1.10 meters, and total width including the motorcycle not exceeding 1.5 meters.
. Once the vehicle passes inspection, safety must be enhanced by installing equipment such as a front light in white or yellow to ensure visibility to other road users; reflective plates; red reflective devices at the rear to improve nighttime visibility; as well as rear and brake lights in red that illuminate behind to warn other vehicles when slowing or stopping. Additionally, a reflective sign stating “sidecar motorcycle” must be installed at the rear, using a white or yellow background with black letters for clear visibility at night.
The government encourages sidecar motorcycle owners to register their vehicles to ensure lawful use and to receive legal protection. Owners can submit applications to the registrar and bring their vehicles for inspection so that the registrar can record the vehicle modifications accurately according to these guidelines starting immediately. This will enable regulation and control aligned with the lifestyle of the people, promoting the sustainable use of community economy vehicles as livelihoods under appropriate safety standards, thereby enhancing happiness and quality of life in communities.