Driving Licence MUST be carried at all times ?

[Bernard]

I was on my motorbike this afternoon and got stopped on the little road that connects the beach road and Petchakasem road and asked for my driving licence. I didn't have it with me as I was in swimming gear but told the officer through my G/F that I would take it to the station later.

Within less than 2 hours I attended the main Police Station and spoke to an officer with plenty of medal ribbons so appeared quite senior. He said I have to pay 200 Baht fine as you are required to carry your licence at all times. I explained that I was going to swim in the sea and the licence would be destroyed or lost.

He insisted it was the law in Thailand and I must pay. I refused (very politely) and said I wanted to see the law written down. With that he through the ticket I had been issued across the desk and told me to leave.

Does anyone know the law on this ?

[Big Boy]

I don't know the law, but I always assumed you had to carry you licence if driving.

[Bristolian]

I don't know the law, but I always assumed you had to carry you licence if driving.

The law is clear. You must have the appropriate driving licence with you, if you are actually driving or riding a vehicle. Failure to present a licence when asked to do so, by a police officer, may result in a fine. (Not sure of the fine applicable). Strictly speaking you should also carry your passport but as the driving licence also shows your passport number, usually the police will accept the licence as a substitute for an ID/passport.

[hhfarang]

^ And I think that applies to pretty much the entire planet, not just Thailand. Are you from another planet by chance...

[Bernard]

OK, if the law "on most of the planet" requires you to carry a driving licence I can accept that. However, in my experience in Europe if you are found to be driving without your licence on you then a reasonable time is allowed, (in the UK I think it is 7 days), to produce the licence............but you are not required to pay a fine.

[REEM]

With that he through the ticket I had been issued across the desk and told me to leave.

I suspect that most traffic policeman in Hua Hin will know the registration number of your bike by now and in a few weeks time you might wish you'd have paid the 200b.

Happy motoring.

[dtaai-maai]

How does your experience in Europe suggest you would be treated if you were riding your motorcycle in swimming gear?
You are, of course, a very long way from Europe, though your attitude suggests this fact hasn't quite sunk in yet.
You probably think you were 'standing up for your rights', but all you really achieved was to hammer another nail into the 'all farang are idiots' coffin.

[Bristolian]

OK, if the law "on most of the planet" requires you to carry a driving licence I can accept that. However, in my experience in Europe if you are found to be driving without your licence on you then a reasonable time is allowed, (in the UK I think it is 7 days), to produce the licence............but you are not required to pay a fine.

Rest of the world does not apply, TIT. As a foreigner You are required by law to have your passport with you at all times and appropriate licence when in charge of a vehicle. Ignorance of the law is no excuse in any country. However on this occasion they seem to have let you off which is good news. I doubt that you will get away with it twice and particularly if you are involved in an accident or driving offence.

[centermid7]

Yer an idiot. Are you "clazy"? Where do you put your motorcye keys while you are in swim wear?

Failing that, put it under the seat of the bike. Jeez . . . .

[STEVE G]

OK, if the law "on most of the planet" requires you to carry a driving licence I can accept that. However, in my experience in Europe if you are found to be driving without your licence on you then a reasonable time is allowed, (in the UK I think it is 7 days), to produce the licence............but you are not required to pay a fine.

Actually, the UK is one of the few countries in the world where you can drive without having your licence on you, everywhere else you have it on you. Ironically, if you were going to the beach in the UK, you would be wearing a substantial jacket so you would have no problem carrying a licence!

[StevePIraq]

I never understand why foreigners (Farangs) either living or visiting Thailand think they do not have to comply with the law. The fact that one had been swimming is irrelevant. I wonder was the op riding with just short on and no helmet just to top it off

[hhfarang]

a reasonable time is allowed, (in the UK I think it is 7 days), to produce the licence............but you are not required to pay a fine.

Not here. I got caught with a few days expired sticker on the windshield of my car (road tax?) and it took me all of 5 seconds to produce the one that was valid for another year but that I had forgot to put on my windshield and left in the glove box. I got fined anyway.

[Khundon1975]

You are required by law to carry your licence any time you are driving in Thailand, half dressed or not.
All Farangs are also required to carry their passports, though a copy usually suffices.

I know plastic bags are so very difficult to find in Thailand but not impossible then you can pop it in your trunks for safe keeping.
Down the back will get you weird looks, down the front will get you smiles from girls and ladyboys

[Takiap]

In Thailand you have to have your license with you, and yes, if you don't have it, you get a fine. The exact same thing applies to Thais as well. Personally, I think it's a bit silly kicking up a fuss over 200 baht.

Despite all the bad stories we hear and read about the police in Thailand, I think they are actually a pretty decent bunch. Let's face it, the traffic police rarely bother anyone, and even if/when you do get stopped, things can always be settled with a smile. I've always found the traffic police to be very polite and friendly, and certainly a lot more so than the miserable buggers in my own country or in the UK for that matter.

[margaretcarnes]

OK, if the law "on most of the planet" requires you to carry a driving licence I can accept that. However, in my experience in Europe if you are found to be driving without your licence on you then a reasonable time is allowed, (in the UK I think it is 7 days), to produce the licence............but you are not required to pay a fine.

Regardless of UK law - when driving here in the UK I always had my licence with me just in case - and to avoid any hassle of going to the cop shop to produce it. In fact even now, without a car, I still always carry it as a form of ID. It is no big deal, and it's been my habit since 1965.
Same with passports. Even as a UK passport holder, when travelling across borders in other EU countries I know I have to have my passport with me.
It really isn't worth getting into a flap about, and a 200 baht fine is a small price to pay for keeping your nose clean.