The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), in collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, has launched a nationwide enforcement exercise targeting vehicles operating with expired 2025 DV plates and DP stickers, effective Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
The move follows the official release of the new 2026 DV plates in February, which automatically invalidated the continued use of last year’s trade plates and temporary permits.
According to the Authority, the extension granted in 2025 was only a temporary measure due to production and rollout challenges at the time. “Following challenges the Authority faced in preparing for the rollout of new vehicle license plates, the extended use of 2025 DV plates and DP stickers was allowed until the 2026 DV plates were released,” the statement recalled.
With the new plates now in circulation, officials say there is no legal basis for continuing to use the old ones. A press release issued on February 4, 2026, confirmed that allocations of the 2026 DV plates had begun for motor traders, fleet owners, and licensed dealers who applied after an earlier invitation in November 2025.
“The release of the 2026 DV plates in February 2026 automatically rendered the continuous use of 2025 DV plates and expired DP stickers illegal,” the Authority emphasized.
The DVLA further noted that the use of trade plates is governed by Regulation 23 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), which clearly outlines who qualifies to use them and under what conditions. Vehicles that do not meet these criteria must undergo full registration before being used on public roads.
Authorities also disclosed that registration for the 2026 licensing year began as early as January 2, 2026, giving vehicle owners ample time to regularize their documentation.
“All vehicle owners who are currently using 2025 DV plates or expired DP stickers are encouraged to comply with the Road Traffic laws to avoid legal consequences,” the statement warned.
The enforcement exercise is expected to take place nationwide, with joint patrols and road checks aimed at ensuring compliance and improving road safety and vehicle accountability across the country.
