Big bike drivers will be banned from driving between traffic lanes and subjected to more stringent procedures in applying for driver's licences, according to the Transport Ministry.
The new regulations are part of a package of measures decided on at the ministry's meeting on road safety rules that should be enforced for motorcycle drivers, said deputy transport permanent secretary Chirute Visalachitra yesterday.
He said a working panel will be formed to draft an outline for the implementation of the measures to be proposed to the cabinet for approval within 30 days.
The measures, however, require amending related laws before the measures can be enforced. Mr Chirute said the traffic law will be rewritten to ban drivers from driving big bikes between traffic lanes.
They will have to follow behind the vehicle in front of them, unless they are overtaking that vehicle.
The maximum big bike speed will also be capped at 80 kilometres per hour in city zones. Mr Chirute added that the ministry will introduce separate motorcycle licences; one for drivers of small motorcycles and another for drivers of big bikes with 300cc engines or larger.
Big bike drivers will also be required to sit through a simulator to test their skills in handling critical situations.