dean Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 I was in Pattaya, staying just south in a timeshare with my family, which got there one day earlier. They thought it would be a good idea to rent motorcycles/scooters to go to the beach. On Tuesday we went there, three persons a piece on two bikes (very slowly). I used the motorcycle to look for an internet shop in Jombien, but didn't take the crappy helmet supplied by the rental company (it was too small, so I had to push it over my forehead to stay on and the strap wasn't long enough). Of course, after going 4 blocks, I was stopped by the police, who said I was getting a 1,000 Baht ticket> 400 for no helmet and 600 for no international drivers licence. After negotiations I left 560 baht lighter. Since when has it been required in LOS to have an international drivers licence? I will be in Chiang Mai for the next 3 weeks and have both a pick up truck and a motorcycle (and a full fitting helmet that I brought from the U.S. several years ago) but do not want to have to pay for not having the proper drivers licence at the many vehicle stops around town. Should I be concerned? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 Never heard of such a requirement. In fact, a friend once tried to rent a car on Phuket and wasn't allowed to on his international licence. I rented it for him, using my Thai licence. Then I drove it about a mile away and turned it over to him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BelgianBoy Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 I got arrested yesterday as well......in front of me a motorbike, one guy on the phone, no helmet and 3 kids....he got fined 200 Bt for the helmet. garanteed he had no licence or even insurance.... My turn.... - driving licence : mai mee - car papers : mai mee - passport : mai mee - 1000 Bt : mai mee Negotiated down to 300 Bt and lots of laughts from the copper and the good English speaking police luitenant First time in 14 years of renting cars in LOS. BB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavanami Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 You should have an International DL that also states that you are licensed to drive a motorbike. My International DL clearly shows me licensed for cars, trucks and motorbikes (cycles). I have two Thai DL: one for the motorbike and the other for the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
think_too_mut Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 International Driving License is a certificate in English of the national driving licese. If national driving license is in English, no need to have International. Rented 50+ times cars in Thai and they always said Australian DL is enough. My wife asked in 2006. for International and they said it has been discontinued as Thai national licenses have English and Thai (just started that year). Now I have Japanese DL (Australian renewable remotely once in life time, that used and expired) and must have International as there is nothing in English on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huumlaar Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 I went and got a Thai International Drivers Permit a few months back. Not discontinued, and was required by Avis in North America when renting a car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
think_too_mut Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Maybe my wife was told it is not needed, the obligation to have it has been discontinued. Avis in Thai never asked me for anything other than national (Australian) DL. Now that I don't have it, I would need IDL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoobydoo Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 I have one, costs £5, so whether I need or not I don't know, but just in case I have to renew it before I return Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redbaron Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 This comes up every now and then, and I hope nobody on here ever gets stung. We all know things are "a bit different" in LOS, and it isn't illegal to drive without an IDL/IDP, yes it may be possible to hire a car, motorbike, truck bus or plane without one, even with a reputable car hire place (eg Avis). However should you become involved in an accident, without one you may not be covered by insurance, which could become costly. It should be said however, an IDL is useless if not accompanied by the original valid driving/riding license from that country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
think_too_mut Posted July 11, 2013 Report Share Posted July 11, 2013 I got mine (IDL) yesterday. 24US$, 30 mins, including pics. Was told it is only valid if presented together with the national DL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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