Riding a motorbike

[steamer 158]

so they search for documentation, give you a fine and then let you go on an undocumented bike?

 

Doesnt sound like enforcement just collections to me.

[MM 6,562]

so they search for documentation, give you a fine and then let you go on an undocumented bike?

 

Doesnt sound like enforcement just collections to me.

 

Would you be happier if they confiscated the bike after fining you?

[jacko 8,822]

300 baht because my rental co.(Thai) didnt pay the lic fee. The cop didnt care that it wasn't my bike, didn't care that the co. was renting unlicensed bikes. He could've charged the owner twice, Once for the fine and once for the lic fee but he had a sucker tourist with cash in hand. He wouldn't get a share in the lic fee so why would he even bother? What would a cop do back home? Throw the book at the owner and give the poor renter a break but no, not in Thailand. Cash money on the spot (they had an empty beer box full of cash no foolin'). I paid up and was allowed to continue on my unlicensed bike. If cops cared about safety all they have to do is crack down on helmetless riders and put them thru the ringer not look under the seat of a fallang ridden bike looking for anyway to trip you up.

Why didn't you return to the renter after the first instance?

It is likely, that if he didn't register the bike, he didn't bother to get the 'obligatory' 3rd party (CTPL?) insurance too.

 

It isn't going to happen in the UK is it, as the registration is displayed in a car, as it should here.

 

My experience with being stopped by Thai police ( 6 days ago) has always been reasonable, and I am quickly waved on without hinderance when they see a Thai licence.

 

Next time you rent, look for registration, insurance and a copy of the book and rental agreement... all of which is required along with your licence if you are stopped.

Edited May 21, 2012 by jacko

[steamer 158]

EDIT

Edited May 21, 2012 by steamer

[steamer 158]

Would you be happier if they confiscated the bike after fining you?

 

I was within walking distance of my hotel. They should've confiscated my bike and charged the owner and let me on my way.

[steamer 158]

Why didn't you return to the renter after the first instance?

It is likely, that if he didn't register the bike, he didn't bother to get the 'obligatory' 3rd party (CTPL?) insurance too.

 

It isn't going to happen in the UK is it, as the registration is displayed in a car, as it should here.

 

My experience with being stopped by Thai police ( 6 days ago) has always been reasonable, and I am quickly waved on without hinderance when they see a Thai licence.

 

Next time you rent, look for registration, insurance and a copy of the book and rental agreement... all of which is required along with your licence if you are stopped.

 

Second time stopped was a different city etc,

 

They were damn well making sure nothing was under the pillion and I'd brushed my teeth that morning.

[MM 6,562]

 

I was within walking distance of my hotel. They should've confiscated my bike and charged the owner and let me on my way.

 

What country do you know of where they confiscate the vehicle for out of date tags/registration?

 

Look, the solution is simple...go to the guy who rented you the bike, get your money for the fine back...and while you're at it, get a bike with proper documentation (something you now know to check).

[jacko 8,822]

Second time stopped was a different city etc,

 

They were damn well making sure nothing was under the pillion and I'd brushed my teeth that morning.

Well the rentals are only good for within the City limits I believe.

Coincidentally I got pulled over yesterday....just past Klang on 2nd. Pulling all and sundry to fill the coffers. He checked my licence then wanted to see the registration disc, and thought he had 'gotch-ya' when he saw it was expired, but I pulled out the new one. He didn't seem to be a humorous type. Off I went. A couple of Arabs behind, on a bigger machine were allowed to go unmolested too.... a likely assumption they had rented it, so guessing some renters make sure all is in order. I have to accept that the responsibility for ensuring all is in order, as far as the police are concerned, should lie with the ass on teh seat.

What country do you know of where they confiscate the vehicle for out of date tags/registration?

The UK.... normally old vehicles are taken away, people don't register/tax them nor insure them and a new law allows them to be taken. Edited May 21, 2012 by jacko

[Oliver_J 2]

IMHO, wearing a helmet is first police-proof. Second, all necessary documents should be with you most of the time you ride in case you were stopped. Finally, some 100, 500 baht banknotes just in case the helmet and documents can't save you.

[jacko 8,822]

IMHO, wearing a helmet is first police-proof. Second, all necessary documents should be with you most of the time you ride in case you were stopped. Finally, some 100, 500 baht banknotes just in case the helmet and documents can't save you.

Got stopped yesterday.... simply showed my Thai licence and was on my way. Didn't even have to take my helmet off.

[steamer 158]

Got pulled over again for no reason whatsoever (singled out). My girl translated that I didn't leave enough room for those behind me to turn left but that was completely bogus.

 

When the copper saw that my IDP included motorbikes in my home country he let me go. Kinda surprised him I guess.

[jacko 8,822]

I did see them Sunday just around the corner on Soi Arunotai, I turned left off Klang. Fortunately on a green light as I believe that turning left against lights, where it is not permitted, is being used as a revenue earner lately.

[keyman 1,413]

I'll be back in Patts again the week after next. I've already sorted my bike for around town, but I was wondering if anyone knows of anyone in town who arranges bike tours? I don't mean around town but out of town on decent size bikes? I do a lot of ride outs in the UK and toured Europe last year, so again, I'm not looking at this from inexperience, just something different to enjoy on my jolidays

 

Thanks guys

 

 

Keyman

[bigmick 840]

I'll be back in Patts again the week after next. I've already sorted my bike for around town, but I was wondering if anyone knows of anyone in town who arranges bike tours? I don't mean around town but out of town on decent size bikes? I do a lot of ride outs in the UK and toured Europe last year, so again, I'm not looking at this from inexperience, just something different to enjoy on my jolidays

 

Thanks guys

 

 

I have heard of thse type of tours arranged through the local expat clubs, sorry i dont have any more details,

you may be able to attend a local expat meeting on Sundays and arrnge it from there.

Keyman

[Idefix 2,275]

... as I believe that turning left against lights, where it is not permitted, is being used as a revenue earner lately.

 

Yes, I agree. I saw them more and more often on South Rd, just after the motorbike shop at the corner with 3rd Rd, waiting for those who comme for 3rd Rd and turn left at red. Seems to be the jackpot here for policemen. Always 2 or 3 motorbikes stoped

So be carreful in Pattaya and don't turn left at red if no panel saying explicity that you can do it.

[jacko 8,822]

Yes, I agree. I saw them more and more often on South Rd, just after the motorbike shop at the corner with 3rd Rd, waiting for those who comme for 3rd Rd and turn left at red. Seems to be the jackpot here for policemen. Always 2 or 3 motorbikes stoped

So be carreful in Pattaya and don't turn left at red if no panel saying explicity that you can do it.

I believe a red arrow means you can.....

I am in the habit of just turning now..... have to try peering round the corner before I get beeped or someone bumps me in the ass.

[Idefix 2,275]

I believe a red arrow means you can.....

I am in the habit of just turning now....

 

Really I don't know anymore. I used to go left at red, slowly and carefully, but now only go if a group of bikes goes. I see these policemen at 3rd_Rd/South_Rd crossing every week now when I go school.

I can wait a few minutes, but would appreciate to know what Thai road rules exactly say about this point...???

In some crossing you have a clear panel "Can turn left at red" like, but for others?

[manee_pattaya 0]

In some crossing you have a clear panel "Can turn left at red" like, but for others?

 

During low season, police always needs more money ;O) So my advice : If there are no sign "Can turn left at red", don't turn...

 

If you rent motorbike, my advice : Rent them from shop with valid licence, and even better with shop offering third party insurance (and of course also the polobo). Read well the contract and ask a quote of the bike in case of steal (not like thai people who will charge you a new bike). Just a thai driving licence OR an international one is enough and will avoid any problem with the police.

 

another advice : drive carefuly and don't drink and drive