author bibliography works by Leonard Heller

The License Plate History of Burma/Myanmar - Pure Pulp

by: Leonard Heller

(c) Leonard Heller

License Plate History of Burma/Myanmar
by Leonard Heller


copyright Leonard Heller
http://www.whidbey.net/licenseplate/Burma.html

I have had a long correspondence with a man in Rangoon, Burma. This page is based on that correspondence and the excellent book "Registration Plates of the World, Third Edition".

The first thing to clear up is the proper name of the country. Myanmar is Burma in the Burmese language. Myanmar is to Burma what Deutschland is to Germany or Côte d’Ivoire is to Ivory Coast. In 1989 Burma changed its country name to Myanmar on its stamps and much was made of this fact but I’ve noticed that whenever my correspondents refer to their country it is always referred to as Burma.

The history of license plates in Burma fall naturally into three periods. Nobody is sure when license plates began to be used in Burma but by the mid-1930’s they were in use. The first period is from around 1930 to 1953. During most of this period the British ruled Burma and plates were in western characters. This continued during the early years of independence. It was not until 1953 that plates in Burmese characters were required. The second period lasted until 1996. The third period began in 1996. A fourth period could be added. From 1941 to 1944 Burma was occupied by the Japanese. It is not known what types of plates were in use during this period. This period is outside the scope of this page.

It is important to remember that in Burma there are two types of license plates, registration plates and general number plates. Registration plates are issued to a particular vehicle while general number plates are issued to firms representing vehicle manufacturers. They are used on vehicles until the vehicle is registered by its new owner. Supposedly this takes place within a month or so and the plate is returned to the firm for reuse on another vehicle. In many places this type of plate is called a temporary plate but its use is different in Burma.

First Period about 1930 to 1953

- -

Until 1937 Burma was part of the Indian Empire, it then became a separate colony. There were two types of plates during this period white on black registration plates and red on white general number plates. Most of these plates are made of painted flat metal. Some were also made of painted wooden boards. The same plates were issued to all vehicles and types of vehicles. It is known that registration plates with the R prefix were issued during the 1930’s and plates with the RA prefix were issued after the war. It appears that general number plates first appeared after the war. When Burma became independent in 1947 the use of these types of plates continued.

Second Period 1953 to 1996

- -

In 1953 the use of Burmese plates became mandatory. Plates were now in Burmese characters. Plates of this period are made of painted flat metal or flat plastic with plastic numbers attached. The general pattern of these plates was one letter followed by four serial numbers. There were now five classes of registration plates as follows:

* Private Vehicles - white on black,
* Public Vehicles (buses, taxis, rental vehicles) - white on red,
* Public Vehicles authorized to accept foreign currency - black on orange,
* Diplomatic Vehicles - black on white, and
* Military Vehicles - white on black with star.

These plates are issued to all types of vehicles, trucks, automobiles, busses, motorcycles and motorized rickshaws. The only difference is the size plate that is made for the vehicle. Trucks and busses have plates 609x203 mm in size, automobiles have plates 457x127 mm and motorcycles have plates 228x100 mm. It must be remembered that the numbering is sequential, motorcycles, trucks, automobiles etc. are part of the same series. As the years passed these plates became smaller. I have one automobile plate from this series that measures only 305x125 mm.

There are also plates used on tricycles and rickshaws for hire but these plates are issued by local authorities and vary considerably between different areas.

- -

At least three series of general number plates were used during this period. From 1948 to 1964 black on yellow plates were used. There are two types of this plate, one type has the area above the top half circle cut from the plate, the other kind has this area painted black. This type proved to be more durable. It should be noted that although this type of plate was only issued from 1948 to 1964, it continued to be used by certain firms and in certain areas up until recently. The second type of plate was used from 1964 to 1993. They were painted red and black on white.

In 1993 the government took control of the entire operation from the various firms. The problem was that general number plates continued to be used much longer than the 30 days or so envisioned. There were two reasons for this, first the individual was able to save some money and second the individual was able to wait for a good number. In Burma it is thought that certain numbers are unlucky. So if the four numbers on the plate added up to seven or nine the plate was considered unlucky. All previous general number plates were no longer valid and a new series was issued that could only be used by firms actually importing the vehicle. Before an individual could take possession of a vehicle he had to procure a registration plate. In case you are interested I have had my Burmese friend translate what these plates have on them. (These translations are NOT of the plates above.)

- -

Third Period 1996 to Present

- -

In 1996 the government passed new regulations regarding license plates in Burma. New registrations were required to have embossed metal plates with the Road Transport Authority’s seal in the upper left. Plates also have two letters followed by four numbers. A limited number of shops are authorized to make plates and these shops are closely monitored. These plates are different in size from the previous issue, automobile plates measure 370x160 mm and motorcycle plates measure 210x140 mm. As before, trucks, automobiles, motorcycles, etc. plates are all from the same series, the only difference is the size.

There are now three types of registration plates as follows:

* Private Vehicles - white on black,
* Public Vehicles - white on red, and
* Public Vehicles authorized to accept foreign currency - black on orange.

As before, motorcycle, trishaws, trucks and busses use the same plates in different sizes. It appears that the previous series of military registration plates and general number plates remains in use.

I will attempt to gather more information regarding the License Plates of Burma/Myanmar. It is a very interesting and colorful study. I would welcome any information that anyone can provide to improve this history.

email: Leonard Heller, lpl8man@whidbey.net

<<< back to more Leonard Heller!




 mission | us | home 
YOU ARE VIEWING AN OLD POST POP PULP MAGAZINE ARCHIVE PAGE CLICK HERE TO GO TO NEW PP PULP MAGAZINE