No, studded tires are prohibited nationwide under Thailand’s Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and Ministry of Transport (MOT) Notification No. 3 (2023). The MOT’s 2026 enforcement plan targets non-compliance in highland provinces like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, where road damage risks are elevated.
Key Regulations for Studded Tires in Thailand
- Absolute Ban: Section 57 of the Land Traffic Act explicitly prohibits metal-studded tires, classifying them as “damaging public roads.”
- Penalties: Violators face fines up to 5,000 THB (≈$140) under MOT Notification No. 3, with repeat offenses escalating to vehicle impoundment.
- Regional Enforcement: The Highland Road Safety Act (2024 draft) empowers provincial authorities to conduct spot checks during the December–February season, aligning with ASEAN haze mitigation efforts.
Exceptions exist only for agricultural or military vehicles with MOT-approved permits, requiring annual recertification. Importing studded tires triggers customs seizures under Customs Act B.E. 2469 (1926), Section 27. The Thailand Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) enforces compliance via tire certification mandates, effective January 2025.