The defence ministry’s Directorate General of Technical Equipment is intensifying its crackdown on the improper use of military licence plates, highlighting recent traffic accidents and inappropriate driver behaviour that have compromised public safety. Post Staff
The Ministry of National Defence’s Directorate General of Technical Equipment has confirmed that vehicles bearing military licence plates used in violation of regulations have been subjected to legal action in several recent cases, noting that enforcement measures are ongoing.
Following a notification issued by the directorate regarding the use of vehicles with military plates on its social media on Saturday, August 31, many citizens shared their opinions. One Facebook user criticised the situation, stating, "There are announcements, but no enforcement."
In response, the directorate stated, "The Directorate General of Technical Equipment has issued numerous notifications and has taken legal action in several cases, with ongoing enforcement."
The notification was issued after the directorate observed that the recent misuse of vehicles with military plates had led to incidents impacting public safety.
It said these issues included traffic accidents and inappropriate behaviour by some drivers, described as "arrogant and unworthy of military officers", which has sparked public criticism and affected the reputation of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF).
The directorate clarified that vehicles must comply with Sub-Decree No. 77, dated November 28, 2008, and adhere to the regulations set by the ministry. It said this applies equally to companies with investment partnerships in the national defence sector.
"Users must be fully authorised military officers, and civilians or foreigners are not permitted to use these vehicles. In cases of misuse, the Directorate General of Technical Equipment will take appropriate legal action," the notification stated.
In February alone, two cases of improper use of military plates were recorded. One involved a Chinese national who collided with another vehicle in Preah Sihanouk province. The other involved a Vietnamese national driving a Ford Raptor, who caused injuries to several people in Kandal province’s Takhmao city.
Pa Chanroeun, president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID), noted that the misuse of these plates has led to numerous scandals in the past.
He emphasised that the ministry and relevant institutions should impose stricter measures and harsher penalties on both the drivers and the owners of such vehicles.
“Only by enforcing stricter measures and harsher penalties under the law can we effectively prevent the continued misuse of military or police licence plates, which otherwise could lead to further autocratic behaviour, endangering citizens and tarnishing the honour, dignity and values of our authorities,” he said.
