This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Are Thai police still strict about enforcing the need for international driver's licenses for foreigners?
International Driving PermitThailand driving lawsThai police enforcementForeigners in ThailandVisa and immigration adviceInsurance and accidents in Thailand
Feb 12, 2024
2 years ago
Shane *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAre Thai police still strict about having international drivers licenses for foreigners and do they actually honor them if you do have one?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, Thai police remain strict about international drivers licenses. Foreigners are required to carry both their national driver's license and the International Driving Permit (IDP) for the first three months in Thailand. Authorities often check for these documents, and having them is crucial for insurance coverage in case of an accident.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Wayne *********
Sat and watched the police for about 1.5 hours this afternoon. They were booking all including thai. One young thai lady got fined no licence and no helmet.
Those with idp were all ok to go. One Indian couple tried to argue that it was the renters fault because they didn't advise them you actually need a licence, didn't do them any good they paid.
Those with idp were all ok to go. One Indian couple tried to argue that it was the renters fault because they didn't advise them you actually need a licence, didn't do them any good they paid.
Apple *****
Insurance is the problem...
Steve *******
spend the $35 or $40 dollars and get it - you will need it. like glenn implied - they will rent you a bike or car but if someone hits you you are buying that vehicle, insurance won't cover you.
Steve *******
Phil Jones The gist of my comment was using a worse case scenario for $40 just get your IDL.
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Glenn *****
Maybe the police are not strict but the insurance companies are
Phil ******
@Shane ********
IDP's yes you need as well as your country's d/l. Also insurance companies won't honour policies in case s an accident.Shane *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks for the comments everyone
Wayne *********
I have been enjoying my coffee and watching the police fine lots every day this week in Pattaya
Abdo *********
Depend one day I stopped like 3 times
And I pay like 900 bht
And I pay like 900 bht
Taz **********
@Abdo ********
do you know if you get fined, & then you get stopped again you just show your first fine & you don’t get fined again This is the case for ? 24 hours from the first fine
Some say it’s valid for a few days
Many years ago I tested it out, I had 2 girls on my bike but only myself and one girl had helmets on, so I got a ticket
That night I rode past a police checkpoint without a helmet, showed my fine from that morning, so I was told to go
Reply to
Taz **********
Reply
Malcolm *******
The police checks are the least thing to worry about , think what would happen if you were in an accident and someone was hurt or worse 🤔 your insurance would be invalid .
Steve *******
@Malcolm ******
my point exactly.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Steve *******
A lot will depend on the individual Officer, why you were stopped and where you are in Thailand
Peter *******
IDPs yes, they will check
Trevor ******
Yes. Especially if you have a accident
Olivier *********
For sure your insurance company will be in case of injury.
Nongnuch ********
for the first 3 months after entering Thailand, you need to carry your national drivers license in combination with the International Driving Permit. The IDP is just a translation of your national DL, and police is strict in most places and requires you to carry both
Jan ******************
@Nongnuch *******
and after three months you’ll need a thai driverliceneShane *********
ORIGINAL POSTEROk thanks... I paid alot of fines last time i was there for not having one hahaha
Shane *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jan *****************
Good point… I’m getting one regardless but I’m just curious.Jan ******************
@Shane ********
you should try to convert it into a Thai driver license as I did. Renew every second year.Martin **********
@Jan *****************
Only first time, two years valid, after, 5 times before renewal.Jan ******************
@Martin *********
yes if you’re on a long stay visa, unless it’s two by two years.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Jan ******************
@Shane ********
Fine is one ting, but if anything happens you’re on your own regarding yourself and others without any insurance.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
138 comments
2 years ago
40 comments
2 years ago
25 comments
2 years ago
200 comments
2 years ago
18 comments
2 years ago
22 comments
2 years ago
53 comments
2 years ago
98 comments
2 years ago
43 comments
3 years ago
128 comments
3 years ago
57 comments
3 years ago
56 comments
3 years ago
25 comments
3 years ago
25 comments
3 years ago
65 comments
4 years ago
59 comments
4 years ago
107 comments
4 years ago
15 comments
5 years ago
151 comments
5 years ago
66 comments
5 years ago
123 comments
5 years ago
66 comments
5 years ago
54 comments
6 years ago
32 comments
8 years ago
97 comments
9 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.