BANGKOK, Thailand – Police Lieutenant General Nitithorn Jintakanon, Commissioner of the Police Education Bureau and head of the Traffic Image Enhancement Taskforce of the Royal Thai Police’s Traffic Operations Center, issued a public warning regarding the illegal use and modification of vehicle license plates. The announcement follows numerous social media clips showing vehicles with unclear or obscured plates, particularly those with unreadable provincial names.
According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Nitithorn, officers on highway patrol have taken an advisory approach by issuing warnings instead of immediate penalties. Drivers were urged to correct their plates to promote public understanding and reduce road tensions. Common violations include faded or smudged characters, plate frames that cover essential information, and front or rear bumpers that obscure the plate.
The Royal Thai Police emphasized that unclear or damaged plates violate Section 11 of the 1979 Motor Vehicle Act and are punishable by fines of up to 2,000 baht. Using plate frames that conceal any part of the license number violates Section 7 of the Land Traffic Act and may lead to fines of up to 4,000 baht. Law mandates that license plates must be clearly visible and unobstructed at all times.
More serious are cases involving counterfeit or altered plates—such as changing letters or numbers, imitating official designs, or modifying plate details. These acts are criminal offenses under Section 60 of the Motor Vehicle Act and Section 265 of the Penal Code, with penalties ranging from 6 months to 5 years in prison and fines from 10,000 to 100,000 baht. Use of such forged documents may also lead to additional charges under Section 268 for using fake government documents.
Motorists whose plates are damaged, missing, or faded are advised to replace them immediately at their local Department of Land Transport office. Required documents include a national ID card and vehicle registration book. In case of a lost plate, a police report must also be submitted. The process is quick and ensures legal compliance while preventing misuse of plates by malicious actors.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nitithorn added that having a clear and legal license plate is not just a legal obligation but a matter of public safety and social responsibility. Visible plates are crucial during accidents or in tracking down fleeing offenders.
For irregularities, directions, or emergencies, the public can contact the Highway Police hotline at 1193, available 24/7.
Public Reactions:
“Finally, enforce the law! So many people strip the black paint off their plates to hide the numbers. It’s everywhere.”
“The streets are full of law-breaking vehicles because officers don’t do their jobs. All bark and no bite.”
“The roads are full of this. Just look around.”
