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
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