How fast do you go...

by **lee** » August 29, 2006, 7:09 pm

...on the Thai freeways?

Last week I took myself to Khon Kaen and on the way there I was stopped for speeding twice. Each time I was traveling between 110-120kmph, however I was under the impression that 110km was the maximum speed for freeways in Thailand, and 10km's over wouldn't be a problem.

The police were actually very friendly and told me that the maximum speed was 90km and the penalty for speeding was 400 baht. They smiled, gave me a verbal warning and let me go on my way. Then 15km's down the road I was pulled over again, and once again they smiled and politely let me drive away.

Not once did I see a speed sign between Udon and Khon Kaen, so how are people supposed to know the correct speeds when passing though built up areas, bridges, open freeways etc?

I'm not complaining, after all the police were very polite and understanding, but a few speed warnings on the road would help IMO.

I find it difficult to keep to 90km, when you're staring at a long open road it

by **valentine** » August 29, 2006, 7:20 pm

If your driving a pickup the max speed is 90kmph regardless of type of road. Even toll roads.

by **beer monkey** » August 29, 2006, 7:22 pm

i am a speedster on the open road especially the road you mention,but i do know there are a few places the police are, so i am always looking ahead . usually around the 120-140 kph. a bit unlucky to be stopped twice.

i always try to keep to the inside lane as much as possible,as we know the outside lanes are for passing old lorrys loaded with sugar cane , or to make a U-turn suddenly.

400-500 baht is'nt a lot compared with european countries,so if i do get stopped plenty of smiles and laughs hand over the cash, and get back up to speed again.
anyone noticed as soon as the man in brown realises you come from UK he mentions Man U, is it the only club in England... :roll:

by **lee** » August 29, 2006, 7:30 pm

valentine wrote:If your driving a pickup the max speed is 90kmph regardless of type of road. Even toll roads.

Thanks for that. I wonder why it's only 90km for pickups? Maybe because they're usually overloaded or have 20+ people in the back.

What is the max speed for cars?

by **valentine** » August 29, 2006, 7:44 pm

Dual carriagway 100kmph, Super highway or as we would say motorway 120kmph.These are maximums and may be less depending on circumstances but that should be clearly marked.
The apparent reason for the pickup 90kmph is they are basically a commercial vehicle and it would be impossible to distinguish between one carrying passengers or 3 ton of cement.So everyone 90kmph it is.

by **arjay** » August 29, 2006, 7:50 pm

The police were actually very friendly and told me that the maximum speed was 90km

Lee, as far as I am aware 90km/hr is the maximum speed limit for cars and pick ups on any/all, otherwise unrestricted, roads throughout Thailand.

They have road signs here and there, with pictures, of the types of vehicles and the max speed limits. Unless the road has a lower speed limit, the max is definitely 90km/hr.

by **beer monkey** » August 29, 2006, 8:21 pm

is it part of the "driving exam/test" in Thailand to know what speed limits on the roads are.? .

by **panick** » August 29, 2006, 8:35 pm

Hi...thats a useful bit of information..I have driven 7000 kilos around Thailand in my last 2 visits, usualy between Udon and the GF's family farms in Surin,got stopped once at 140 in a truck and was let off with no fine,it seems its the same all over the world..smile lots,be polite and it raises your chances of getting away with it!.. I also found that I was more of a target in spot checks when driving a truck as appose to a car...does this mean that car drivers are more sensible?..Nick.

by **beer monkey** » August 29, 2006, 8:44 pm

Rules Of The Road (LOS) (LOL)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As precautionary measures to prevent and avoid road accidents, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) urges all road-users to strictly observe the following traffic regulations and guidelines.

1. Before putting a vehicle into motion always check the following: driver's license, yearly vehicle tax payment sticker, yearly vehicle insuranee payment sticker, license plate, and vehicle condition such as wheel brake, emergency brake, headlights, taillights, etc

The maximum speed limit to cars inside a city limit is 60 km/hr 90km/hr for outside a city limit.

The maximum speed limit for motorcycles inside city limit is 60 km/hr and 80 km/hr for outside a city limit.

The driver should pay special attention to highway signs posted on the left-hand side of the road for specified speed limits.

2. Always drive on the left side of the road. When there are two or more lanes for traffic in the same direction, slower vehicles must use the leftmost lane except when passing or making a right turn.

3. Always slow down to a safe and reasonable speed when driving on a narrow road or when approching curves, intersections, business or residential areas, road construction zone, and oncoming vehicles.

4. Never pass any vehicle when driving through residential areas, intersections, curves, or over a bridge. Always pass other vehicles on the right.

Never pass other vehicles on the left except when the leading vehicle is making a right turn or when there are two or more lanes for traffic in the same direction.

5. When driving at night, always turn on headlights and taillights.

6. Broken down or parked vehicles must be parked on the side of the road or the shoulder of the road. A warning sign which could be seen over an appropriate distance must be displayed. At nighttime emergency red lights must be used to provide warning.

7. Give the right-of-way signal to vehicles coming from main roads.

8. Strictly obey traffic lights and posted traffic signs.

9. Never control a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or intoxication liquor; or while being sick or dizzy.

10. Always take safety precautions while in control of a vehicle.

11. Always allow a safety distance while following a vehicle.

12. Slow down to a reasonable speed, and do not sound the horn if it is not necessary while passing through the following zones; school, hospital or public agency.

13. Always give a headlight signal or sound the horn and make sure there are not obstructions or oncoming vehicles before passing the leading vehicle.

14. When a driver is involved in an accident which causes injuries or property damages, always provide assistance wherever it is necessary. Immdediately notify the nearest police station and identify yourself as well. The driver who fails to stop at the scene of the accident which he is responsible for would be considered guilty and might be sentenced to imprisonment.

15. Sound the horn and slow down the vehicle when approaching a stopped vehicle which is letting passengers get on or get off and give warning particularly to deaf and blind persons.

16. Safety rules for pedestrains

Always use sidewalks or road shoulders if there are any; if not, always walk on the right side of the road to be able to see oncoming vehicles.

Always cross the road only when it is absolutely safe to do so. Especially in Bangkok, please watch out for bus lanes as buses sometimes run against the traffic flow.

When crossing the road at nighttime always do so at a lighted area or use a flashlight for indentification purposes.

Always obey traffic lights, i.e. cross the road only when the red traffic light is on for the approching vehicles, and make sure that the vehicles have come to a complete stop.

17. Safety rules for bus passengers

Always wait for a bus or a vehicle on the sidewalk, the road shoulder, or at bus stops.

Before getting on a bus or a vehicle, wait until it has stopped completely and other passengers who want to get off have done so.

Always take a seat when it is available; if not stay inside the bus or the vehicle. Do not stand on the doorsteps.

Never get on or get off the bus or the vehicle while it is moving, waiting for traffic lights, or while it is in the middle of the road.

For private or public vehicles, the passengers should always get on or get off the vehicles where it is not prohibited. Always stop the vehicles at the sidewalks and get on or get off on the left side of the vehicles.

by **BKKSTAN** » August 29, 2006, 8:51 pm

I am sure that I have driven more than 100,000 kilometers in Thailand.Although,I consider myself the best driver I know,I do drive very fast on the main highways.I go from NK to BKK in 5 1/2 -6 hours,cruising at 140 KMH.In all that driving I have never been stopped for speeding!I have passed many police without any attempt to stopping me!
So,my question is,how do you get stopped for speeding?They use a siren,red lights or signal in some way for you to pull over?I have never seen that in Thailand!

What I have seen is police stops,where they tell you that you were breaking the law in some way(not something they observed) in order to make an attempt to get money from you!

As I have stated in a prior posting,I do not stop at obvious ''money stops'' any longer!

Did you know that the speed limit is 80 kmh on the tollways in BKK!Unless it has heavy traffic,I would estimate that less than 5% of the cars are going less than 110 kmh.

by **panick** » August 29, 2006, 9:06 pm

One stop was after I spotted a policeman in the center of an irrigation ditch,first impression was that he was possibly relieving himself until i got closer and realised that he had a speed camera or something very simular in his hand,so slowed down even though it was too late and then came to a road block/spot check a little further up the road,luckily they seemed more interested in any older type vehicles and were passing the newer ones through...half the stuff they pulled looked like a picture gallery from my local scrap yard!

by **beer monkey** » August 29, 2006, 9:13 pm

BKKSTAN wrote::)
So,my question is,how do you get stopped for speeding?They use a siren,red lights or signal in some way for you to pull over?I have never seen that in Thailand!
.

usually they are at the side of the road they wave at you to stop/pull over,never seen a speed camera though,as you are most probably in the outside lane they hazard a guess that you are speeding, or may say that their colleague saw you speeding further up the road,if you want to argue with them a few hours down at the station may help you decide wether to pay or not.
i am surprised you have never seen this in Thailand.

by **arjay** » August 29, 2006, 9:20 pm

Beer Monkey, Your posting "Rules of the Road" should really be in a new thread, under the Jokes Forum!!!

When I think about all the situations I have seen driving in Thailand, as compared to what the "rules" say, it certainly brings a smile, if not a severe grimace to my face!! :shock:

Example:

A warning sign which could be seen over an appropriate distance must be displayed.

The reality - coming round a bend at speed and being confronted with a broken down vehicle (stationary in the road), with what can only be described as a small twig or branch laying in the road, at best 5 metres before the vehicle, maybe even less.

Or,

When driving at night, always turn on headlights and taillights.

Really??!!

Well Ok then, but motor bike riders should ensure that this week's shopping or school books (in the case of students) are strategically placed in the front basket, so as to ensure that no light is visible from the front!! :roll:

by **panick** » August 29, 2006, 9:22 pm

I'm learning the hard way! only been in Thailand three times so far and due back end of next month,the camera suprised me as I am more use to the road checks,but it certainly looked like one..and it even had its own tripod..perhaps this officer had taken up photography?..I was between Khon Kaen and Khorat at the time.

by **beer monkey** » August 29, 2006, 10:07 pm

yeah 9 and 10 LOL.
infact all of it must of been written and devised for the ones that were at the back of the Q when they were handing out common sense.. :roll:

T.I.T.

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