A point deduction system, designed to improve the discipline of drivers, is tentatively scheduled to be introduced for motorists and motorcyclists in mid-December. It is hoped that the system will help to reduce road fatalities and injuries each year by 2,000-4,000.
Pol Col Aekkarach Limsangkart, deputy commander of Highways Police Command, explained that each licenced driver will be given a maximum of 12 points. Each time the driver commits a traffic law violation, points will be electronically deducted. When there are no points left, the driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days, after which the driver or motorcyclist will have to undergo training administered by the Land Transport Department to get their licence topped up with another 12 points. Those who refuse to attend the training, however, will have their licence returned, but with only 8 points.
Points to be deducted differ, depending on the offence. Offences are divided into four categories:
– One point deduction is applied for the following offences: using a cell-phone while driving; exceeding the speed limit; not wearing crash helmets for motorcyclists; not wearing seat belts; not giving way to emergency vehicles, riding on the sidewalk and not stopping for pedestrians on zebra crossings.
– Two points deduction is applied for the following offences: running a red light; driving on the wrong side of the road; reckless driving; driving while his/her license is suspended and drunk driving.
– Three points deduction is applied for the following offences: organizing or promoting street racing without permission; hit-and run; driving while under the influence of narcotics; driving while under the influence of alcohol exceeding 150mg/ml.
– Four points deduction is applied for the following offences: driving under the influence of alcohol exceeding 200mg/ml; drunk driving in a way which may cause serious injuries or death to the other people; driving in a manner disregarding the safety of the other people or causing trouble to other people.
