Thailand to introduce ‘lane-splitting’ ban and speed limit for big bikes

Michelle Liew

September 25, 2019

This is to promote safety, especially in the urban areas of Thailand.

In case you did not know, the Transport Ministry in Thailand has set sights to ban “lane-splitting” by big-bike riders. Not only that, a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour will take place in urban and community areas. All of the rules will ensure road safety.

According to deputy permanent secretary for transport, Chirute Visalachitra, under the “lane-splitting” ban, riders with big bikes will not be allowed to ride between vehicles. They would also have to wait for traffic lights behind other vehicles in traffic lanes.

Apart from that, in accordance with the sources Bangkok Post, the ministry also requires these big-bikes riders to undergo specific tests in order to obtain their big bike driving license. These specially-designed tests will contain special test fields and simulations of danger-prone situations. This is to ensure that they have a proper mindset when it comes to safety.

Foreign tourists also have to show their driving licenses when they rent motorcycles in Thailand. This is due to past incidents where many foreigners have been injured in the country.

The officials would finalise new measures for motorcycle safety in 30 days before seeking cabinet approval.