8 September

Retro-reflective markings will be installed on vehicles starting this month to help prevent and reduce the incidence of accidents, said Lian Cin Mang ( a )Ngan Khai Pa Pa, the Director of the Road Transport Administration Department (RTAD).

“The RTAD will fix reflective markings on vehicles when their owners come to the RTAD to extend their vehicle registration. Vehicle owners will have to pay for the reflective markings. Those drivers who want to get reflective markings can come and get them affixed at the RTAD,” he said.

“The conspicuous markings can help prevent traffic accidents, they can save lives, and can be helpful for drivers and commuters. Thus, they are essential tools for vehicles,” according to the RTAD.

A study will be undertaken to check the quality and types of reflective markings, depending on vehicle types.

“The budget for installing the reflective markings has been allotted in the 2018-2019 fiscal year. The income from sales will flow into the state budget,” according to the RTAD.

There will be five types of reflecting markings, ranging from A to E, and the type of marking will vary depending on the vehicle — 1 ton and above vans, pick-up trucks, agricultural machinery, HSE vehicles, emergency vehicles, fire trucks, bicycles, mini-buses, express buses, and different trucks and trailers. The cost of the reflective markings will range from K500 to K7,000.

The reflective markings will help improve road safety and improve night visibility of parked vehicles. They are mandatory for vehicles under the 1989 Motor Vehicle Law.

At present, there are over 1.9 million vehicles registered across the country, and about half of them are registered in Yangon. (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)