The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has signaled a tougher phase in its nationwide enforcement campaign against the use of expired and fraudulent dealer (DV) number plates, announcing that offenders will face court action starting May 4, 2026.
The move marks a shift from routine seizures to full-scale prosecution, as authorities express frustration over persistent violations despite months of public education and warnings.
At a press briefing, DVLA Deputy Director, Kwasi Bonah Otuo Serebour, described the situation as deeply concerning, noting that many vehicle operators have continued to flout the law even after multiple extensions and compliance directives.
According to him, the Authority’s decision to extend the validity of 2025 DV plates late last year was only temporary. With the rollout of the 2026 DV plates in February, all previous permits became invalid. However, enforcement checks reveal that a significant number of vehicles are still operating with expired or falsified plates.
Joint operations between the DVLA and the Ghana Police Service, which began in late March across parts of Accra and Tema, have uncovered widespread irregularities. Inspections conducted in Adentan, Tema, and Nungua showed that out of 770 vehicles checked, 165 were using forged 2026 DV plates—an indication of the growing scale of the problem.
Adentan recorded the highest number of violations, including vehicles using both expired 2025 plates and fake 2026 versions, while Nungua reported a surge in expired DV stickers. Separate court-supervised operations in April also led to the impounding of about 40 vehicles fitted with counterfeit DV stickers.
Mr. Serebour stressed that the continued defiance by some motorists has compelled the Authority to adopt stricter measures.
“We cannot continue to return to the same locations to deal with repeat offenders,” he stated, warning that the era of leniency is over.
From May 4, individuals caught using unauthorized DV plates will not only have them confiscated but will also be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with road traffic regulations.
The DVLA maintains that the crackdown is essential to restoring discipline on the roads and safeguarding the integrity of the vehicle registration system. It has also called on vehicle dealers and owners to comply with regulations by obtaining valid plates and documentation.
Authorities say the intensified enforcement will be carried out transparently, with continued collaboration from law enforcement agencies and support from the media to raise public awareness.
