The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has suspended the planned rollout of new vehicle number plates initially scheduled for January 2, 2026.
The Authority said the decision follows the failure to secure amendments to the Road Traffic Regulation, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which governs the content and format of vehicle licence plates. Although Parliament amended the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), the specific legislative instrument required to operationalise the new plates was not passed before Parliament went on recess on December 19, 2025.
In a statement, the DVLA explained that until all legislative requirements are fully met, it cannot proceed with the introduction of the new plates, which were designed to incorporate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enhance vehicle traceability and improve road safety.
The Authority assured the public that vehicles currently using Departure from Port (DP) stickers and DV plates may continue to do so until a new timeline is communicated.
Meanwhile, the Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG) has filed an injunction at the High Court in Accra to restrain the DVLA from rolling out any digital or new vehicle number plate registration system beginning January 2026. The suit, filed by BEMENCO Embossment Ltd and 26 other plaintiffs, seeks to halt the process until the court determines the matter.
The DVLA thanked the public for its understanding and cooperation as it works to resolve the legislative and legal issues surrounding the new licensing system.
