“I'm not drunk, and I can drive, it's very easy.” This might be the sentence you have heard when hanging out with friends. Driving under the influence is dangerous and illegal, and is known as “drunk driving”. It can result in fines and imprisonment under the charge of “Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or other drugs (DUI)”.
What is the “DUI”?
- When the alcohol in your blood exceeds 20-milligram percent.
And being a driver that is below 20 years old or carries a temporary driver’s license (i.e. 2 Years approval) then the person is considered “drunk”.
- When having alcohol in your blood 50-milligram percent.
The driver will be imprisoned for not more than 1 year, receive a penalty fine of 5,000 to 20,000 baht or both, and the driver’s license will be suspended for not more than 6 months or revoked driver’s license.
The case of "DUI" or refusal to take an alcohol test
In this case, the driver may face imprisonment for up to one year, a penalty fine of 10,000 to 20,000 baht, and a suspension of their driver's license for no less than 6 months. Additionally, the court has the authority to suspend or revoke the driver's license and impound the vehicle for a maximum of 7 days
The case of "DUI" resulting in “Injury” to another person
The driver may face imprisonment for a term of 1-5 years, a penalty fine ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 baht, and a suspension of their driver's license for no less than 1 year, or revocation of their license altogether
The case of "DUI" resulting in "Serious injury” to another person
The driver may face imprisonment for a term of 2-6 years, a penalty fine ranging from 40,0000 to 120,000 baht, and a suspension of their driver's license for no more than 2 years, or revocation of their license altogether.
The case of "DUI" resulting in "Death” to another person
The driver may face imprisonment for a term of 3-10 years, a penalty fine ranging from 60,000 to 200,000 baht, and immediate revocation of their driver's license by the court.
Will my car insurance cover me If I’m charged with “DUI”?
- Case 1: Compulsory Motor Insurance
Compulsory Motor Insurance (CMI) will protect both the car owner and litigant without proving fault or liability and will pay for the “medical expenses” of the litigant, but it will not cover the cost of repairing the damaged car.
- Case 2: Voluntary Motor Insurance
- If the driver has alcohol in their blood of no more than 50-milligram percent
- Car insurance will cover both the car owner’s and the litigant’s expenses.
- If the driver has alcohol in their blood of more than 50-milligram percent
- Car insurance will not cover the car owner’s expenses, even with type 1 car insurance, which is the most expensive insurance premium.
- If the driver has alcohol in their blood of no more than 50-milligram percent
It is important to prioritize safety and avoid the severe legal consequences of drunk driving. According to Pocket's recommendation, refraining from driving after drinking alcohol is the optimal solution. To ensure the safety of yourself and others, opt for public transportation if you must drink.
