Point-deduction system will hit bad drivers

[Nereus]

Point-deduction system will hit bad drivers

https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/genera ... ad-drivers

Drivers will need to improve their behavior if they want to keep their licences, under Road Traffic Act amendments approved by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Friday.

Lawmakers voted 138-1 to approve the bill, with three abstentions.

Once it is published in the Royal Gazette and becomes law, the bill will amend the Road Traffic Act BE 2522 (1979). Its main focus is on additional punishment for reckless drivers.

Under the new system, every driver will start out with 12 points on their licence, but points will be deducted depending on the severity of traffic violations. Similar systems are used in many countries.

For example, running a red light will cost one point and failure to give way for an emergency ambulance will cost three points.

Once a driver’s points reach zero, his or her licence will be suspended. To get it back, the driver will have to attend training.

The Royal Thai Police will issue a regulation on point deductions after the bill becomes law. But the regulations must be discussed in public hearings first.

One controversial point in the draft bill was whether car rental service providers should be fined or punished if their customers cannot pay after being caught for a violation.

The NLA finally agreed that the vehicle rental company must inform police and supply them with evidence within 30 days if a client is found violating traffic laws. Failing to do so means a firm will have to pay five times the maximum fine on behalf of their client.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Under the new system, every driver will start out with 12 points on their licence, but points will be deducted depending on the severity of traffic violations. Similar systems are used in many countries.

Hmm, I would be interested to know which countries use this method. Or is it just another arse about Thai thing because they know best?

[hhinner]

I didn't see anything about points being returned after a given time period. So would a licence be lost even if it took, say, 30 years to get to zero?

[oakdale160]

How can they deduct points from a license if they haven't got a license?

[HHTel]

Hmm, I would be interested to know which countries use this method. Or is it just another arse about Thai thing because they know best?

Here's how it works in the UK. It's been around for many years

When you commit a motoring offence on the roads, courts can fine you and endorse your driving record with penalty points.

Penalty points are put on your driving record and remain there for between four and 11 years, depending on the severity of the offence.

Building up too many points can see you lose you licence.

Drivers can be disqualified if they collect 12 penalty points over a period of three years.

There are, however, different rules for new drivers.
Motorists who have held their licence for two years or less must only collect six penalty points to see it revoked.

This means one solitary offence for using your phone while driving could see you receive an instant ban.

Penalty points can be issued in frequency between one and 11 - with one being for minor offences and 11 for the most serious.

Acquiring penalty points can not only accumulate over time and see you lose your licence but they can also affect your insurance.

Car insurance premiums can often increase if the driver has penalty points.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/ca ... licence-UK

For example, running a red light will cost one point

Compare the above with the UK:

The maximum penalty for running a red light is (i) a £1,000 fine, (ii) 6 penalty points endorsed on the driver's licence, and (iii) disqualification. Frequently, though, a driver who runs a red light will get a Fixed Penalty Notice offering a penalty of £60 and 3 penalty points to be endorsed on your licence.

As usual, enforcing such a law is the biggest problem.

But the regulations must be discussed in public hearings first.

Dozens of countries use such a system:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_system_(driving)

[Dannie Boy]

I guess it’s a start in the right direction, but initial thoughts are that some of the penalty deductions are too lenient (1 point for running a red light), but the biggest issue will be enforcement - they can’t even enforce a simple rule like wearing helmets!!

[Nereus]

Here's how it works in the UK. It's been around for many years
When you commit a motoring offence on the roads, courts can fine you and endorse your driving record with penalty points.
Penalty points are put on your driving record and remain there for between four and 11 years, depending on the severity of the offence.
Building up too many points can see you lose you licence.

Jeez, my point exactly! Which county puts 12 points on THEN deducts them?

[HHTel]

This is their third attempt at a points system. The last one was first past the post of 100 points and licence revoked. Didn't work then so no reason why it will work now.

[HHTel]

Here's how it works in the UK. It's been around for many years
When you commit a motoring offence on the roads, courts can fine you and endorse your driving record with penalty points.
Penalty points are put on your driving record and remain there for between four and 11 years, depending on the severity of the offence.
Building up too many points can see you lose you licence.

Jeez, my point exactly! Which county puts 12 points on THEN deducts them?

Both systems are used around the world. It's quite immaterial whether you start with zero and accumulate points or start with a set number and deduct points. The end result is the same.

[oakdale160]

It will start with a big flurry and in a few weeks will fade and a few months it will be forgotten.

[Big Boy]

You think it will start? How will they catch anybody? I presume the points will be accumulated with fines, not tea money

[HHTel]

Many years ago I was pulled over for doing a left turn of Silom Rd (following other drivers). Had to collect my licence from the local cop shop. I surrendered an IDP and because I was a foreigner was dealt with by the 'boss' who could speak English. After answering questions, "Where is your name", "Where is the driver number" etc etc. Then "You have 40 penalty points. Where do I note that". Although the IDP has an endorsement page, I had to reply "I don't know". Hence laughter all round and no points.

The following week I stopped at the same left turn and the cars behind me were honking and a policeman was getting quite frustrated waving me on. Nope I told him. I'll wait for the green light. TIT.

[hhinner]

^^ How will they catch anybody? Cameras at traffic lights and speed cameras are already in use.

[Big Boy]

Reminds me of the copper I wrote about on here a few years ago who stopped the traffic at a school crossing. Once the kids had crossed he turned to me and started blowing his whistle. I didn't budge - more whistle blowing, and I still didn't move. Eventually, the penny dropped, he moved out of my way and I drove off.

And they trust these guys to carry guns

[handdrummer]

"Failure to give way for an emergency ambulance." Where do you go to "give way?" There are no open lanes on any Thai streets.

In a life and death situation, you'd be better off strapped to a motorbike.

[HHTel]

There is always a way to give enough space for an ambulance to pass. This is one time when the lane markings can be overruled.