DVLA Suspends Rollout of New Number Plates Planned for January 2026

• The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority has suspended the rollout of new licence plates due to legislative delays
• The authority explained that the delays are linked to some shortcomings that occurred in Parliament wth the Road Traffic Regulation, 2012
• This suspension comes after the Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana sued the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority over the new system

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority has suspended the rollout of new licence plates, originally scheduled for January 2, 2026.

The delay is due to the failure to secure the necessary amendments to the Road Traffic Regulation, 2012 (L.I. 2180).

In a statement on Facebook, the authority explained that specific provisions in L.I. 2180 had not been passed before Parliament went on recess on December 19.

“Until the legislative requirements are fully settled, we are unable to proceed with the rollout of the new RFID-embedded licence plates."

The authority further announced that vehicles currently using Departure from Port stickers and DV plates can continue to do so.

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This update comes after the Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana sued the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority over the new vehicle number plate registration system.

The group wants the state to refrain from rolling out digital or any new vehicle number plate registration system.

It also wants the authority to be prevented from implementing any alternative arrangement for the embossment and supply of vehicle number plates outside the existing framework involving the plaintiffs.

In addition, it wants the court to order the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority to continue engaging licensed embossers for 2026 and beyond.

About the new DVLA number plates

The CEO of the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Julius Neequaye Kotey, unveiled the design of the new number plates in August.

Kotey said these changes, which he announced on Facebook, are part of reforms in the country's vehicle registration system.

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The new plates will be equipped with RFID technology and other features to modernise vehicle management and improve road safety.

Among the expected benefits, Kotey said the new plates would prevent smuggling, improve tracking, facilitate future automated toll collection, and facilitate easier identification.

The new plates will be reflective for enhanced visibility and have some form of digital integration.

Kotey concluded by noting that the new design is subject to further modifications.

The Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority is also considering introducing a special number plate for individuals who fail to register their cars within the stipulated two weeks.

These plates are expected to come at a premium cost.

The authority will phase out the practice of placing the year of manufacture at the end of number plates.

EOCO flags top vehicles smuggled into Ghana

YEN.com.gh reported that the Economic and Organised Crime Office has identified Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150s, Range Rovers, and Dodge as models commonly smuggled into Ghana.

The office has urged buyers to investigate vehicles, especially new or spotless models, for potential theft. It is using Interpol's database for vehicle verification.

Source: YEN.com.gh