The Royal Thai Police plan to early next year launch a so-called traffic point-cutting system, to improve driving discipline and reduce road accidents.

From Jan 9, every driving licence holder will be given 12 points, which will be reduced if they are caught violating traffic rules.

Breaking the speed limit, failing to stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings, not wearing a safety helmet, not fastening a seat belt, and speaking on the phone while driving are examples that can lead to a one-point deduction, police said.

Running red lights or driving in the wrong direction -- for example on one-way streets -- will cause two points to be deducted, while illegal racing on a public street will lead to three points being cut.

The maximum penalty of four points is tied to serious violations such as drink driving.

A loss of all 12 points will result in the driver having their licence suspended for 90 days, and the deducted points will be restored 12 months from the time they are removed.