Calls grow to ban underage motorcycle driving in Arakan Army-held areas

By Admin 06 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

6 August 2026, Kyauktaw

Local residents are calling for a ban on underage motorcycle driving in areas controlled by the Arakan Army across Arakan State, citing growing concerns over road safety.

Residents say an increasing number of underage students are riding motorcycles recklessly, raising the risk of traffic accidents and endangering pedestrians.

In Kyauktaw Town in particular, large numbers of underage students are reportedly riding motorcycles, often at excessive speeds.

"In Kyauktaw, students as young as 11 or 12 are already riding motorcycles. Sometimes three people can be seen riding a single motorcycle through ward streets. These children do not ride responsibly. They speed without wearing helmets, posing a serious danger to themselves and pedestrians," a Kyauktaw resident said.

Residents in Mrauk-U Town also report frequent cases of reckless motorcycle riding by underage students, creating serious road safety concerns.

A resident of Mrauk-U said many underage riders are unfamiliar with traffic laws and road safety rules, increasing the risk of accidents.

"Most students from Grade 8 to Grade 12 whose families can afford it travel to school by motorcycle. Underage youths are also frequently seen riding motorcycles while intoxicated. Whenever you see an adult and a young person on the same motorcycle, it is often the younger person who is riding while the adult sits behind," the resident said.

Traffic accidents are increasing in areas controlled by the Arakan Army. In 2025 alone, at least 15 road accidents resulted in 24 deaths and injuries.

On July 30, a five-year-old girl was killed in a traffic accident in Anjanapura.

Residents stressed that allowing minors to ride motorcycles poses a serious public safety risk and urged both parents and the United League of Arakan to take immediate action.

"Parents should not allow children under the age of 18 to ride motorcycles. The ULA should also strictly enforce the law. Although traffic safety regulations are being implemented, we have yet to see action specifically targeting underage motorcycle riders," a young social activist in Arakan State said.

Although traffic laws and road safety regulations are being enforced in areas controlled by the Arakan Army, residents say they have yet to see specific measures targeting underage motorcycle riding.

Under traffic safety and vehicle management laws, people under the age of 18 are prohibited from riding motorcycles on public roads.

Driving while under the legal age or operating a motor vehicle without a driving licence is punishable under Section 85 by up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.