New point system for motorists takes effect on Monday
Traffic police will start enforcing a new point system for motorists on Monday, but it will be implemented gradually with education being the initial priority, a senior officer said on Saturday.
The point system aims to improve compliance with traffic laws, reduce accidents, and increase road safety, Highway Police Division commander Maj-General Ekkarat Limsangkat said.
Each motorist will start with 12 points. Violations of traffic laws will result in the deduction of points, with the most severe offences resulting in the biggest deductions.
The system applies equally to every driver, Ekkarat said, adding that drivers who violate laws would have the opportunity to reform.
“Not all of their points will be deducted … they will have the opportunity to reform,” he said.
The maximum reduction of points for a single offence is eight, and it applies to the severest offenses, Ekkarat said.
Offenses such as speeding, not wearing a helmet while riding a motorbike, not wearing a seat belt, not stopping at a pedestrian crossing, or using a mobile phone while driving, will cost drivers one point for each offence, he said.
Disobeying traffic signals – driving through a red light, for example – will cost drivers two points.
A hit and run or fleeing the scene of an accident will cost drivers three points, while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will cost drivers four points.
The loss of all 12 points will result in the suspension of a driver’s license. Three suspensions within three years will result in the revocation of a license.
Ekkarat said that many people considered a four-point deduction to be “too little” for drunk-driving. However, he pointed out, drunk drivers face additional penalties, including fines and jail.
