Ride-sharing drivers who operate via mobile applications are required to register their vehicles under the Ror Yor 17 or 18 categories with the Department of Land Transport by Saturday, the government has warned.
Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said the measure is designed to formally bring app-based ride-sharing services into the legal public transport system and eliminate legal grey areas created by the use of private vehicles for commercial passenger services.
As part of the process, the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) has rolled out a Driver Verify system, through which 34,434 drivers have already registered.
Drivers who are approved must change their vehicle status to public transport between March 1 and March 30. The new regulations will come into force on March 31.
From that date onward, drivers who continue to use unregistered private vehicles could face fines of up to 2,000 baht. Operating without a valid public driver’s licence carries penalties of up to 1,000 baht or a prison term of up to one month. Ride-sharing platforms that fail to comply risk suspension.
Ms Lalida said the reforms will improve passenger safety by ensuring verified driver details, GPS tracking and clear channels for complaints.
She added that once drivers complete all the required steps, they will be able to operate legally with greater confidence.
“The reform is intended to raise ride-sharing service standards in line with the law and ensure long-term fairness for both service providers and passengers,” she said.