The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced the suspension of the planned rollout of Ghana’s new vehicle number plates, originally scheduled to begin on January 2, 2026, due to delays in the passage of key legislative amendments by Parliament.
Addressing a press briefing, the Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, explained that the new licence plate system was designed to incorporate modern technology, including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), to enhance vehicle traceability and promote road safety.
According to him, the successful introduction of the new plates requires amendments to two legal instruments — the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), and the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which specifically outlines the specifications and contents of vehicle number plates.
Mr. Kotey disclosed that while Parliament successfully amended the Road Traffic Act, the required amendments to L.I. 2180 could not be completed before Parliament went on recess on Friday, December 19, 2025.
“As a result of the inability to complete the amendment process, the DVLA is unable to proceed with the rollout of the new licence plates as planned,” he stated.
In light of this development, the DVLA has announced an extension in the use of existing vehicle identification systems. This includes the continued use of Departure from Port (DP) stickers and DV number plates beyond January 2, 2026, until further notice.
Mr. Kotey assured the public that the Authority has engaged the Ghana Police Service and other key stakeholders to ensure that motorists using DP stickers and DV plates will not be harassed or penalised during this interim period.
“Motorists who are currently using DV plates or DP stickers can continue to use them freely until the new licence plate system is ready and officially rolled out,” he said.
He further noted that once all legislative requirements are fully addressed, the DVLA will announce a new date for the rollout of the RFID-enabled number plates and provide clear guidelines for vehicle owners to transition to the new system.
Mr. Kotey appealed to the public for patience and cooperation, reiterating the Authority’s commitment to road safety and regulatory compliance.
He also used the opportunity to urge drivers to exercise caution on the roads, especially during the festive season, and wished Ghanaians a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year on behalf of the DVLA Board and management.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
