Myanmar Junta Resumes Crackdown on Unlicensed Vehicles in Mon State, Extorting Motorists

Joint security forces under Myanmar’s military junta have resumed widespread inspections and seizures of unlicensed motor vehicles across Mon State, triggering public disruption and widespread extortion, local residents report. The operations are being conducted by combined teams of military personnel, traffic and regular police, General Administration Department (GAD) officials, junta-backed Pyu Saw Htee militia members, and the People’s Security and Counter-Terrorism Force. Checkpoints and surprise inspections have been set up at town entrances, major intersections, and transport corridors across Mawlamyine, Mudon, Thanbyuzayat, and Ye townships. "These operations create severe transportation problems for locals who rely on motorcycles for daily work," a plantation worker from Thanbyuzayat told Mon News. "If you are caught, you face heavy fines or outright vehicle confiscation without an option to license it. Authorities indicated this crackdown will last at least a month." On September 23, security forces confiscated hundreds of motorcycles at the Zay Gyo traffic lights in Mawlamyine. Eyewitnesses reported that vehicles belonging to individuals connected to government departments, the military, police, or local militia groups were immediately released, while others were freed only after owners paid informal bribes. Unclaimed or unbefriended vehicles were impounded. Residents noted that while formal inspections officially began on September 23, enforcement started in Ye Township in early September and spread to other townships by mid-month. Even motorists operating fully licensed vehicles are avoiding checkpoints due to arbitrary fines and systemic extortion. "Even with a proper license, no one wants to pass through their checkpoints," a young Mawlamyine resident said. "They harass you until they find a reason to demand money." Motorists report that junta officers demand up to 30,000 kyats (approx. $7.90 USD) from licensed riders for not wearing helmets, and up to 50,000 kyats (approx. $13.15 USD) if a vehicle lacks side mirrors. Locals pointed out the regime's double standard, noting that unlicensed vehicles remain widely used by military personnel, police, militia members, and affiliated business contacts—many of whom operate unlicensed vehicles freely by paying monthly protection fees directly to traffic police.