Why Are “Red Plate Cars” Prohibited from Night Driving?

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If you’ve just got yourself a brand-new car with a red plate, you might have noticed there are quite a few restrictions on its use. One of the most puzzling is the prohibition against night driving. Let’s clear this up for you!

What Is a “Red Plate”?

A red plate is a temporary license plate with a red background issued by the Department of Land Transport. It is provided to car dealers for use with vehicles awaiting permanent registration. It’s meant for temporary use, such as delivering cars to customers, transporting vehicles for repairs, or similar purposes. These plates cannot be sold or transferred.

Why Can’t Red Plate Cars Be Driven at Night?

According to the law, cars with red plates are only allowed to be driven during the day, typically from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (or, in some cases, until 8:00 PM). Driving beyond this time could result in a police inspection.

This restriction exists because red plate cars are not yet fully registered, which makes them harder to track in case of crimes or theft. Moreover, if the car is stolen, tracing it becomes more difficult. Driving a red plate car at night could also lead to police questioning to verify ownership.

Other Restrictions on Red Plate Cars

• Limited travel zones: Cars with red plates can only be driven within the area specified on the plate. Driving across provinces without permission could result in a fine of up to 10,000 THB, unless granted approval by the registrar.

The restriction on night driving exists because red plate cars are not yet fully registered, making them harder to verify in case of issues. If your car still uses a red plate, be sure to follow the time and area restrictions to avoid complications.

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