Thai government confirms 4,000-baht fine for holding a phone at a red light

Expats driving in Thailand should keep their phones out of their hands even when stopped at an intersection. The Thai government has clarified that checking your screen at a red light is a strict traffic violation.

According to a recent notice from the government's Anti-Fake News Center (in Thai), using or simply holding a mobile phone while waiting at a red light carries a maximum fine of 4,000 baht. The center stated: "Using or holding a mobile phone while stopped at a red light is considered an offense, with a maximum fine of 4,000 baht."

This clarification serves as a reminder that Thai traffic laws apply to the vehicle as long as it is in the flow of traffic, regardless of whether it is currently moving.

What this means for you

If you drive a car or ride a scooter in Thailand, you need to treat red lights exactly like active driving.

• Keep it mounted: If you need to use your phone for GPS navigation, secure it in a dashboard or handlebar mount before you start your journey.
• Hands off: Do not pick up the device to check messages, change music, or adjust the map while waiting for the light to turn green.
• Pull over for calls: If you must handle your phone, pull over and park in a safe, legal spot first.

While enforcement of traffic rules can vary across different provinces and police jurisdictions, the legal baseline is clear. A quick glance at a notification while stopped at a junction could result in a 4,000-baht penalty.