The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has commenced a nationwide enforcement exercise targeting vehicles operating with expired DV plates and Drive-from-Port (DP) stickers. The exercise forms part of the Authority’s ongoing commitment to ensuring compliance with vehicle registration regulations, enhancing road safety and strengthening the integrity of Ghana’s vehicle identification system.

DV plates are temporary number plates supplied to certified car dealers and importers to allow the movement of unregistered vehicles for permitted and time-bound reasons, such as testing and delivery. Similarly, DP stickers are granted to let freshly imported vehicles to be driven from the port to a designated area while awaiting official registration. Both permits are only valid for specific periods of time and cannot be utilized after they expire.

DVLA has, however, observed that a number of vehicles continue to operate on Ghana’s roads with expired DV plates and DP stickers. This situation undermines regulatory compliance and presents challenges for effective vehicle identification and enforcement, as such vehicles fall outside the approved registration framework.

In response, the Authority, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service's Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), has mobilized enforcement teams throughout key routes and operational zones across the country. The clampdown exercise is aimed at identifying vehicles with expired DV plates and DP stickers and ensuring that appropriate penalties are imposed in compliance with road traffic legislation.

Vehicle owners found in violation may face penalties such as fines, car impoundment and more legal action where necessary. DVLA highlights that these procedures are critical to ensuring order and accountability within the transport system.