Motorbikes Facing Strict Seizures in Myitkyina; Some Permanently Confiscated

Pajau Media

September 4, 2025

In Myitkyina, Kachin State, local residents report that motorbikes are being stopped and checked under various pretexts, with some vehicles fully seized and confiscated, causing people to be cautious in their daily travel.

“One of my bikes had a battery issue, and it didn’t have a license plate. They seized it completely and didn’t return it. They said they confiscate about five bikes a day like this. It can’t even be released with money. Even those who pleaded or cried were not given their bikes back. It is unfair that a bike bought with citizens’ hard earned savings is so easily taken away. This is nothing more than oppression,” a Myitkyina resident said.

Authorities are checking whether motorcycles have license plates, whether registration documents are carried, whether side mirrors are installed, and whether the driver has a valid license. Locals added that in certain cases, traffic police have fully confiscated some bikes.

While residents understand that if they carry license, registration, helmet, and mirrors they should not be detained, in practice, motorbikes are being seized in an arbitrary manner, making transportation difficult and unsafe.

From around 10 a.m. daily, traffic police have been stationed at intersections and road junctions in Myitkyina, making such arrests almost every day. Previously, riders could settle such cases with a fine of 30,000 kyats per motorbike, but now bikes are being seized outright without the option of recovering them.

The Motor Vehicle Commission had announced in July that motorbike riders must have a valid driving license, secure helmets properly with straps, avoid carrying more than two riders, and ensure the bike has a registered number plate.

News- Htu Seng