No, driving with interior lights on is not explicitly prohibited in Thailand’s Road Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979), but it violates Ministry of Interior Notification No. 12 (2023) on vehicle lighting standards. Police may cite it under Section 47 for obstructing visibility or Section 54 for unsafe driving, with fines up to 500 THB. The Royal Thai Police Traffic Bureau enforces this inconsistently, though 2026 amendments may tighten enforcement.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Thailand
- Visibility Obstruction: Interior lights must not impair the driver’s view or distract other road users (Ministry of Interior Notification No. 12 (2023), Clause 5).
- Lighting Standards: Only dim, non-distracting interior lighting is permitted; bright or colored lights are banned (Department of Land Transport Circular 2024-08).
- Enforcement Discretion: Police may issue warnings or fines (500–1,000 THB) under Section 47 for “unnecessary lighting” if it contributes to unsafe driving.
Local courts have upheld fines for interior lights deemed hazardous, particularly in urban areas like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The Traffic Police Division prioritizes cases where lighting causes accidents or impairs reaction time. Vehicles modified with aftermarket interior lighting face stricter scrutiny under DLT’s 2026 vehicle modification guidelines.