Traffic-fine dodgers in PM’s crosshairs
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has invoked his absolute powers under Article 44 of the interim charter to order traffic-fine dodgers will be barred from renewing their vehicle tax and registration.
Order No 14/2560 (2017) of the National Council for Peace and Order was published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday and amends and add measures to the Land Traffic Act 1979.
It states that traffic police officers of the inspector rank and above are authorised to notify law-violating motorists that they have to pay a fine within 15 days. The notifications will be done by post.
Police will pass on the names of those who fail to do so to the Land Transport Office and they will be ordered to pay the fine within 30 days.
During that period a temporary 30-day document indicating a pending car-tax renewal will be issued for motorists to carry.
If a motorist pays the fine within 30 days, they can present the payment receipt for officials to renew their car tax and registration.
Those who fail to meet the deadline will not be allowed to renew their car tax and registration for that year.
Under the order, the Transport Department will deduct 5 per cent of each traffic fine and provide police with the rest.
The order also authorises traffic police to tow away or lock the wheels of vehicles parked in prohibited spots and the vehicle owners must pay the cost of such actions as well as the vehicle storage cost if applicable.
The order also requires all occupants of a vehicle to wear seatbelts.
