Vehicle Roadworthiness in Thailand

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Vehicle Roadworthiness in Thailand

Cars older than seven years and motorbikes older than five years need to undergo a safety inspection every year and be issued with a document called a TorRorOr that certifies the vehicle is roadworthy. No reminder is issued but without the TorRorOr it is not possible to get the annual tax sticker once the car is over seven years old.

Note: All cars must display a tax sticker on the windscreen as proof that car tax has been paid. The ticket has an expiry date. Car tax is paid annually at the local DLT office. 

Testing

The local Department of Land Transport Office (DLT) does not issue the TorRorOr but there are many private companies around Thailand that are authorised to perform this service. These companies can be identified by a logo of a yellow gear on a blue circle.

• To see an example of the sign: Click here

The test includes an emissions test, engine check and general overall roadworthiness test. For example the following will be tested:

• Lights
• Indicators
• Steering
• Tyres
• Bodywork

Vehicles will also be checked to ensure that the chassis number, engine numbers and colour are identical to those in the Registration Book (Blue Book, Lem Tabian).

Car owners should take their Blue Book, and motorbike owners their registration book (Green Book) to the test.

Passing the test

Once the car has successfully passed the roadworthiness test the certificate (TorRorOr) will be issued. This allows the owner to obtain their annual tax sticker. The TorRorOr is handed over to the DLT when getting the tax sticker.

The annual tax rates are calculated depending on type and age of car as well as the engine size. For vehicles up to five years old the price is fixed depending on the engine size and type of car. After five years the tax will reduce by 10 percent every year up to a maximum of 50 percent.

Failing the test

If the vehicle fails the test, the owner must make repairs until the test is satisfied.

The DLT will not issue a tax sticker for a vehicle over seven years old if it does not have a TorRorOr certificate. It is illegal in Thailand to drive a vehicle without an up-to-date tax sticker, and anyone found driving without one is liable to a fine. Late tax payments will be fined one percent of the fee every month.

Further Information

• Department of Land Transport Office (DLT)
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Driving in Thailand
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Buying & Selling a Car in Thailand