Motorists warned of pedestrian crossing penalties

Motorists warned of pedestrian crossing penalties

A woman holds up a rabbit sign urging motorists to stop at the pedestrian crossing on Phaya Thai Road in Ratchathewi district, Bangkok, where Dr Waraluck
A woman holds up a rabbit sign urging motorists to stop at the pedestrian crossing on Phaya Thai Road in Ratchathewi district, Bangkok, where Dr Waraluck "Rabbit" Supawatjariyakul was hit and killed by a policeman on a motorbike on Jan 21 last year. (File photo: Apichit Jinakul)

Motorists who fail to stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings will be fined up to 4,000 baht and have one point deducted immediately from their licence under new traffic laws now being enforced.

Increased penalties and a point deduction system for traffic violations apply under new traffic laws effective since Jan 9 and now being enforced by police, deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said on Tuesday.

The new laws focus on improving safety for all road users, particularly pedestrians using zebra crossings, Ms Rachada said.

Failure to let pedestrians walk on zebra crossings carries an increased penalty of a fine of up to 4,000 baht,  up from 1,000 baht previously, and an immediate one point deduction from the driver's licence, she said.

Under the points deduction system every driver starts with 12 points, with graduated deductions for traffic violations. Once they reach zero, the offender's driving licence will be suspended for 90 days. Driving during the suspension period means a jail term of up to 3 months and fine of up to 10,000 baht.

Four suspensions in three years will result in cancellation of the driving licence, Ms Rachada said.

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