DVLA Unveils New Number Plates and Tracking System to Reform Vehicle Registration
The Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has announced major reforms in Ghana’s vehicle registration system, set to take effect from January 1, 2026.
Speaking on Face to Face on Channel One TV, Mr. Kotey revealed that the reforms will include new number plates, enhanced tracking technology, and stricter regulations for car dealers and vehicle owners.
According to him, the newly introduced Dealer’s Permit (DP) stickers will ensure proper accountability and traceability of vehicles from the port into Ghana’s transport system.
“The new DP sticker allows us to track who is driving the car, when it arrived in Ghana, its destination, and the date the sticker expires. Once scanned, the code reveals all these details. It was wrong to have cars in the system without knowing their owners, but now, right from the port, we know who owns the vehicle,” he explained.
He stressed that dealers must use DV stickers for cars held in garages, while individuals are required to register their vehicles within two weeks of purchase. Using DV plates without valid reasons—such as taking a car for repairs—will now be considered a violation.
Mr. Kotey further disclosed that the DVLA is considering introducing special number plates for those who fail to register their vehicles within the two-week window, warning that such plates would come at a “very expensive” cost.
As part of the reforms, the DVLA will also phase out the current practice of adding the year of manufacture at the end of number plates. From January 1, 2026, plates will instead feature a regional code at the top and an area code at the end.
“For instance, a plate will read GR 222 AD, with AD representing Adenta. We have completed all the legal groundwork and intend to roll this out on the first of January,” he confirmed.
These reforms, according to the DVLA, are part of a broader agenda to modernize vehicle registration, strengthen road safety, and curb fraud in the transport sector
Source : My News Ghana
