Personal vehicles are seen with state-issued licence plates. The van on the left is fitted with a Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) plate, while the crossover in the centre has a police plate. Heng Chivoan
After a spate of accidents involving vehicles with Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) licence plates, the Ministry of National Defence has warned against their misuse. The Ministry of Interior has also issued a reminder to all officials about the correct use of police number plates.
Two notable instances took place in Kandal and Preah Sihanouk provinces recently, when foreigners driving vehicles with RCAF plates caused serious accidents.
Local media outlets have carried several stories which suggest public opinion views the use of some special-purpose plates in a negative light. Unlike civilian vehicles, those with state-issued number plates are exempt from import taxes.
On February 22, a Chinese national driving a black Lexus GS300 with RCAF plates collided with a car in Sihanoukville’s Commune IV. He fled the scene in the vehicle, but was arrested the following day.
Just two days later, a Vietnamese man driving a red Ford Ranger Raptor – again with military plates – caused a serious accident on National Road 21 in Roka Kpos commune in Kandal province’s Takhmao town, just outside the capital. The man was arrested at the scene, where 29 people were injured.
Less than a week later, the defence ministry issued a statement regarding the accidents. It noted that certain arrogant individuals were unworthy of being military officials, and that their conduct affected public opinion and besmirched the reputation of the armed forces.
“The drivers of vehicles with RCAF plates must be a member of the armed forces, not a civilian or foreigner. The vehicle must be used in line with the principles of the defence ministry. In the event of the vehicle being misused, legal action must be taken,” it warned.
Touch Sokhak, deputy spokesperson for the interior ministry, tells The Post that there are no restrictions on the use of military or police plates, provided the vehicles are operated in the correct manner, in adherence to the Kingdom’s road traffic laws.
He explains that there are ways in which police number plates can be used. The first is on a vehicle which is the property of the ministry or a specific police unit, but these vehicles may only be used on official business and driven by authorised officers.
The second is on a private vehicle which belongs to a police officer. They may use their personal vehicle with the plate but must respect the ethics of the police force and obey all relevant laws.
Sokhak notes that under some circumstances, a vehicle bearing police plates may be lent to others who are not on-duty officers. He warns against the practice, saying the vehicle shall not be lent to anyone, even a relative or family member.
“There are some exceptions. If the owner of the vehicle is a police official, but does not drive themselves and has a driver or assistant, the driver can be a civilian. They can send their driver or assistant on errands,” he said.
He adds, however, that no foreigner who is not a member of the interior or defence ministry staff may drive a vehicle with state-issued plates.
“Liability is based on the actions of individuals; the state entity is not liable for any accidents or damaged caused. The state provides special plates to certain individuals who request them, but the process is clearly defined, and strict procedures must be followed,” he added.
Interior minister Sar Sokha also issued a recent reminder on the correct use of police plates.
Citing the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police, he says several motorcycles with police licence plates have been seen in the staff parking areas of casinos, or parked outside KTV or karaoke bars.
He reiterates that the owners of vehicles with state-issued plates shall not lend them to anyone, and orders the provincial police to pay closer attention to those who using the plates inappropriately.
“If a vehicle is being misused or regularly driven by a person who is not an authorised police officer, the plates shall be removed and the import tax paid on the vehicle. These plates are intended to serve the work of the authorities,” he said.
“It appears that there is an increase in the number of vehicles which are being used inappropriately in some administrative regions. The regulations surrounding the use of these licence plates are clear. This problem must be resolved soon,” he adds.
Am Sam Ath, operations director at rights group LICADHO, agreed with the minister, noting that RCAF or police licence plates are intended to serve the missions of very specific units.
“These types of plate should not be used by civilians or foreigners, because if they cause an accident or commit a crime, it will affect the honour of the police or military. The relevant ministries should take action,” he said.
