---
title: How mileage is rationed
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/how-mileage-is-rationed-1942/
description: 'Gasoline rationing chart: four boxed panels explain the A, B, C and D mileage rations with car and motorcycle drawings.'
section: Collection
---

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3. How mileage is rationed

[![How mileage is rationed, 1942 US poster: Gasoline rationing chart](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/how-mileage-is-rationed-1942.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/how-mileage-is-rationed-1942.jpg)

# How mileage is rationed

Gasoline rationing chart: four boxed panels explain the A, B, C and D mileage rations with car and motorcycle drawings, then T and E/R rations in smaller boxes, closing 'To qualify for mileage rations, you must comply with tire regulations'. The technique is faint here; it is mainly an explanatory notice, with value wording such as 'essential to the war effort' used for the C ration.

## Propaganda techniques used in this poster

[Glittering generalities](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/glittering-generalities/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
HOW MILEAGE IS RATIONED
The basic ration for passenger cars
A
MILEAGE RATION
"A" DRIVERS MUST DISPLAY THIS STICKER
A ration for holders of passenger car registration cards. Each page of 8 coupons is valid for 2 months.
The gallon value of the coupons is fixed by the Office of Price Administration.
The A ration is designed to provide an average of 240 miles per month; of this 150 miles is for occupational use and 90 miles is for family convenience. This is based on average of 15 miles per gallon.
Supplemental ration for passenger cars
B
MILEAGE RATION
"B" DRIVERS DISPLAY ONLY THIS STICKER
An extra ration for those who must drive more than 150 miles a month for occupational purposes. This ration allows a maximum of 470 miles a month for such purposes.
Holders of B books must carry 3 or more passengers or prove that they cannot, and that other transportation is inadequate.
B drivers receive A and B rations. The B book contains 16 coupons and is valid for 3 to 12 months depending on proven needs.
Supplemental ration for essential passenger cars
C
MILEAGE RATION
"C" DRIVERS DISPLAY ONLY THIS STICKER
[signature: Gordon (partly legible)]
An extra ration for special classes of drivers whose work is most essential to the war effort and who must use their cars more than 470 miles a month for occupational purposes.
C books are valid for 3 months.
Qualified applicants receive both A and C books, providing them with enough gasoline for proven occupational use.
The ration for motorcycles
D
MILEAGE RATION
NO STICKER FOR "D" DRIVERS
A ration for holders of motorcycle registration cards. Coupons are good until July 22, 1943.
The D ration is designed to provide an average of 240 miles per month, 150 miles for occupational use, 90 miles for family convenience.
Supplemental D books are issued for proven needs in the same way as B or C books.
T
"T" DRIVERS DISPLAY ONLY THIS STICKER
The transport ration for all commercial vehicles (except motorcycles) and military vehicles. They receive a T ration but no A ration.
E
R
NO STICKERS
The E and R books provide a ration for non-highway equipment and purposes. The E book is for small users, the R for large users.
TO QUALIFY FOR MILEAGE RATIONS, YOU MUST COMPLY WITH TIRE REGULATIONS
[imprint: U. S. Government Printing Office : 1942—O—489935]
[imprint: OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION, WASHINGTON, D. C., NOVEMBER, 1942]
```

[← '"Honorable thanks" ABSENTEE' (Australian silkscreen poster, General Motors Holden)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/honourable-thanks-absentee-australia-1942/) [How much do you bid? →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/how-much-do-you-bid-goldman-1942/)

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