The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) which controls Lashio Town in northern Shan State is issuing temporary vehicle registration cards in the town.

The MNDAA has ordered that all vehicles, both previously registered and unregistered vehicles, will have to be re-registered with them. It has been issuing temporary vehicle registration cards since early January 2025 and is receiving hundreds of applications a day, according to Lashio Town residents.

A Lashio Town resident said: “The MNDAA said that the initiative seeks to tackle the high rates of car thefts and hit-and-run cases in Lashio Town. Owners of unregistered vehicles are required to submit their chassis and engine numbers to receive a temporary registration card. For registered vehicles, presenting the owner’s book is mandatory. A fee of 15,000 MMK is collected, and a plastic-coated card is then issued.”

The MNDAA confirmed that it had opened temporary offices issuing the new vehicle registration cards in wards 3, 4 and 12 in Lashio Town and in nearby Hoe Puek Village.

Since November 2024, MNDAA-appointed officials have been compiling a list of cars and motorcycles in Lashio Town and nearby villages. The temporary vehicle registration cards are issued following the required verifications and checks.

But, the MNDAA issued temporary vehicle registration cards are only valid in northern Shan State. Vehicle drivers who try to use the cards elsewhere risk having their vehicles confiscated.

A driver who frequently travels between Lashio and Taunggyi City in southern Shan State said: “Vehicles with MNDAA issued temporary registration cards are only authorised for use in northern Shan State. This registration will help in investigating missing vehicles and hit-and-run incidents. However, the card is not valid in southern Shan State, where MNDAA-registered vehicles are at risk of being confiscated by junta troops. Travelling southward beyond Tangyan and Mongyai towns, especially into junta-controlled areas, [people with MNDAA issued temporary registration cards face a] high risk of getting their vehicle confiscated or receiving a fine.”

The MNDAA also intends to start collecting bills for garbage collection and electricity in the wards of Lashio Town where electricity has been restored, according to some residents of the town.