Licenses, road rules, insurance, fuel & driving tips for Pattaya
Thailand has one of the highest road fatality rates in the world. Pattaya traffic can be chaotic, especially on Beach Road and 2nd Road. Always wear a helmet on motorcycles, drive defensively, and avoid driving at night if possible.
An IDP from your home country is valid in Thailand for the duration of your tourist visa (up to 90 days)
Must be carried together with your original license and passport at all times
Get your IDP before traveling -- it cannot be issued in Thailand
An IDP alone is NOT enough -- you must also carry your original national license
Some rental companies accept only a Thai license. Check before booking.
For stays longer than 90 days, you should get a Thai driving license (see below)
Cost: 205 THB (car) or 105 THB (motorcycle). Process takes 1 full day.
Passport with valid visa, medical certificate (any clinic, ~100 THB), residence certificate from Immigration (~500 THB) or hotel booking confirmation, work permit (if applicable)
Department of Land Transport, Sukhumvit Road (near Soi Khao Noi). Open Mon-Fri 08:30-15:30. Arrive early -- it gets busy.
1-hour video about Thai traffic rules (available in English). Mandatory for all applicants.
50 multiple-choice questions, need 45/50 to pass. Available in English. Study the DLT handbook -- many questions are tricky.
Color blindness, peripheral vision, reaction time, depth perception. Then driving test on the course (car) or riding test (motorcycle).
Temporary 1-year license issued same day. Cost: 205 THB (car) or 105 THB (motorcycle). Renewable for 5-year license.
Opposite to US/Europe. Right-hand drive vehicles. Be extra careful at roundabouts and turning.
City: 60 km/h. Main roads: 80-90 km/h. Highway: 120 km/h. Motorway 7 to Bangkok: 120 km/h.
Mandatory for all motorcycle riders and passengers. No exceptions. Full-face helmets recommended.
Larger vehicles generally have right of way in practice. Buses and trucks will not stop for you.
Only at designated U-turn points. Illegal U-turns are common but dangerous and fined.
0.05% BAC (about 1-2 drinks). Police checkpoints are common on Friday-Sunday nights.
Rental: 200-500 THB/day
Fuel: ~50 THB/day
Easy parking
Navigate traffic easily
Cheap & flexible
Dangerous in rain
No AC, exposed to elements
High accident rate
Rental: 800-2,000 THB/day
Fuel: ~200-400 THB/day
Safe & comfortable
AC in hot weather
Good for families & trips
Parking can be difficult
Traffic jams on Beach Rd
Higher rental & fuel cost
| Type | Coverage | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory (Por Ror Bor) | Third-party injury only | Included in rental | Legally required. Covers injury to others up to 500,000 THB per person |
| CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) | Vehicle damage | 200-500 THB/day | Reduces your liability for damage. Check excess amount (usually 5,000-20,000 THB) |
| Personal Accident | Your injuries | 100-200 THB/day | Covers medical costs if you are injured. Highly recommended for motorcycles |
| Full Coverage (Class 1) | Everything | 500-800 THB/day | Covers your car, other cars, injury, theft. Best option for peace of mind |
All gas stations
All gas stations (cheaper, most cars OK)
All gas stations
Select stations (taxis & converted vehicles)
Central Festival, Terminal 21, PTT stations, major condos
Main roads (Sukhumvit, 2nd Road, 3rd Road) are well-maintained and clearly marked
Motorway 7 to Bangkok is excellent -- 4-lane divided highway, toll ~105 THB
Sois (side streets) can be narrow, potholed, and have no sidewalks -- drive slowly
Flooding during heavy rain (Jun-Oct) -- some sois become impassable for motorcycles
Beach Road is one-way (southbound). 2nd Road is one-way (northbound). Confusing for newcomers.
Google Maps works well for navigation. Waze is also popular and shows police checkpoints.
Park at malls (free 2-3 hours with purchase). Street parking is limited and confusing.
| Offense | Fine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No helmet (motorcycle) | 500 THB | Both driver and passenger. Strictly enforced in Pattaya |
| No seatbelt | 500 THB | Front passengers. Rear not always enforced |
| Speeding | 500 - 1,000 THB | Radar traps on Sukhumvit and Motorway 7 |
| Red light violation | 500 - 1,000 THB | Cameras at major intersections |
| Drunk driving | 5,000 - 20,000 THB | Limit 0.05% BAC. Can include jail time. Checkpoints on weekends |
| No license | 1,000 THB | International license or Thai license required |
| Illegal parking | 200 - 500 THB | Car may be towed. Check for red/white curb markings |
| Using phone while driving | 400 - 1,000 THB | Hands-free is allowed |