21/12/2024
Interesting court case
The Central Administrative Court has ruled that the Department of Land Transport is obligated to renew vehicle registration and issue the tax registration document, even in cases where outstanding traffic fines have not been settled.
On 18th December 2024, the Central Administrative Court ruled out that the Department of Land Transport must renew vehicle registration and issue the tax registration document to the vehicles that the owners have not paid traffic fines under the Land Traffic Act.
The claim that the Royal Thai Police and the Department of Land Transport entered into an agreement unilaterally is a neglect of duty and does not comply with the provisions and procedures outlined in the Land Traffic Act. Therefore, there is no authority to delay the issuance of the circular tax registration to vehicle owners who have outstanding traffic fines.
"The principle of vehicle tax payment concerns the vehicle itself, whereas traffic violations pertain to the individual. Linking these two matters is therefore incorrect, as it indirectly coerces vehicle owners into agreeing to pay the fines," part of the lawsuit states.
Furthermore, the Central Administrative Court has ordered the Department of Land Transport to compensate the plaintiff for damages.
The final outcome of this case is remained to be seen as the Department of Land Transport retains the right to appeal the decision to the Supreme Administrative Court.