What is the fine for driving without a license in Thailand

The fine for driving without a license in Thailand is from 1,000 baht (about 2,700 rubles at the 2026 exchange rate). However, this is not the only problem. In addition to the fine, the police have the right to confiscate the vehicle and send it to the impound lot. The owner (lessor) will have to pay an additional 2,000 baht to retrieve the bike from there.

In practice, two scenarios are possible:

• Soft (still occurs, but less often): you are only fined 1,000 baht and given a receipt. This paper within 24 hours on the same island exempts you from a repeated fine — but does not give you the right to drive. It is just confirmation that the penalty has already been applied.
• Hard (becoming the norm from 2025–2026): the bike is towed to the impound lot, an official fine is issued (1,000–2,000 baht), plus towing and storage costs (another 2,000 baht upon release).

If you get into an accident without a license, you will automatically be found at fault, even if the accident was not your fault. Travel insurance will not cover medical treatment, repairs, or damage to others' property — bills can reach millions of rubles. Some travelers try to resolve the issue with a bribe on the spot, but this is a criminal offense with real prison time.

The only legal way: obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Russia in advance with category "A" open for a bike or "B" for a car. For more details on all nuances and other fines, read our article:
What license is needed in Thailand.

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