The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced a nationwide enforcement exercise to clamp down on vehicles still using 2025 Trade (DV) plates and expired DP stickers.
Starting Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the DVLA, in partnership with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, will intercept and sanction motorists failing to comply with current registration requirements.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Corporate Affairs Manager Mr Stephen Attuah explained that the move follows the official rollout of 2026 DV plates, which began on February 4 this year.
He stated that although the authority had previously allowed an extension for 2025 plates due to administrative delays in the plate production cycle, the grace period has officially ended.
According to him, the release of the 2026 DV plates automatically rendered the continuous use of 2025 plates and expired DP stickers illegal.
He advised motor traders, fleet owners, and the general public that the use of trade plates is strictly governed by Regulation 23 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180).
Under these laws, any vehicle not falling within the specific categories for trade plates must be fully registered before being driven on public roads, he warned.
He stated that vehicle owners who have not yet transitioned to the 2026 plates are urged to visit any DVLA operational office immediately to regularise their documentation and avoid vehicle impoundment or legal action.
He stressed that DV plates are not meant for general or prolonged use on public roads and should not be used as a substitute for full vehicle registration.
He posited that DV plates are used when a vehicle is being moved temporarily, such as when it is leaving a dealer’s facility for the purpose of fixing defects or undergoing test drives before final sale.
He said several drivers have the perception that DV plates can be used freely even after a vehicle has been purchased, but that is unlawful, and when the team sees you, you will be apprehended.
Mr Stephen Attuah added, “For purposes of enforcement, when we apprehend the person, we will have your plate removed and give you a chit that will indicate that you are on your way to rectify the problem, but if you fail to do so and are arrested again, the law will certainly take its full course against you.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
