ULA to take action against traffic rule violators during Thingyan

By Admin 10 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

10 April 2026, Mrauk-U

The Traffic Management Committee under the Department of Transport and Communications of the United League of Arakan (ULA) has issued a warning that it will take action against traffic rule violators to ensure public safety during the Thingyan festival in Mrauk-U District, an area controlled by the Arakan Army.

According to the announcement, to ensure road safety for the public, those caught driving a motorcycle while severely intoxicated will face a fine of K30,000, while those driving a car under the influence will be fined K50,000.

Furthermore, a fine of K5,000 has been set for riding a motorcycle without a helmet, carrying more than two people, driving with excessive noise, or failing to have a full set of functioning motorcycle lights.

A local woman in Mrauk-U commented that this initiative is a positive step.

"I view setting these regulations as the right path. Even if a government does not issue rules, the people should protect themselves by valuing their own lives. By restricting travel while intoxicated, the accident rate will decrease," she said.

Additionally, a fine of K10,000 has been set for drivers and passengers in cars who fail to wear seatbelts. Regarding the transport of goods, a fine of K50,000 will be imposed if regulations are not followed, such as ensuring loads do not protrude more than 1 meter from the front or 2 meters from the back of the vehicle.

Fines of K30,000 will be charged if vehicles are not parked in designated areas clear of the road or if they are parked in locations that could cause traffic congestion.

"As young people, even though we are careful, there are times when we become lapse. It is a good move that the ULA has issued these systematic regulations. In my view, it feels more like saving lives than just issuing rules. I want the authorities to strictly follow these regulations and take effective action against those who commit offenses," said a 26-year-old local man in Kyauktaw.

If there is a failure to comply with the rules issued by the Traffic Management Committee or a refusal to pay fines, the vehicle will be temporarily impounded and will not be returned until the legal matters are resolved.

Local residents stated that the ULA has been consistently carrying out traffic safety education and distributing leaflets to reduce casualties among the Arakanese people during the Thingyan period.