The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has suspended the planned rollout of Ghana’s new RFID-embedded vehicle number plates, which was scheduled to take effect on January 2, 2026.
The decision was announced by the Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, at a press conference in Accra on December 24, 2025. According to the Authority, the suspension follows the pending approval of key legislative instruments by Parliament, making it impossible to proceed with the new registration system at this time.
Parliamentary Approval Still Pending
The DVLA explained that although Parliament has amended the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), the proposed amendment to the Road Traffic Regulation, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which specifies the content, format and features of vehicle number plates, has not yet been approved.
In a press statement dated December 24, 2025, the Authority noted that the relevant provisions could not be passed before Parliament went on recess on Friday, December 19, 2025.
“Until the legislative requirements are fully settled, we are unable to proceed with the rollout of the new RFID-embedded licence plates,” the DVLA stated.
Planned Changes to Ghana’s Number Plate System
In August 2025, the DVLA announced plans to abolish the display of the year of registration on vehicle number plates from January 2026.
Under the current system, in use since January 2009, Ghanaian number plates feature:
- A two-letter regional code
- A four-digit numeric code
- A two-digit year of registration
The proposed new system was designed to identify vehicles by the region and zone of registration rather than the year. For example, vehicles registered in Greater Accra would have the region name written on top of the plate, followed by a unique four-digit number and a zone code such as “AD” for Adenta, replacing the year code like “25”.
The new plates were also intended to incorporate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to improve vehicle traceability and support electronic toll collection systems.
DP and DV Plates to Remain Valid in 2026
Addressing public concerns, the DVLA clarified that vehicles currently using DP (Drive from Port) stickers and DV (Defective Vehicle) plates may continue using them in 2026 until further notice.
“Owners of vehicles with DP stickers and DV plates may continue using them until a time limit is communicated by the Authority,” the statement said.
Embossers Seek Court Injunction
Meanwhile, the Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG) has filed an injunction at the High Court in Accra, seeking to restrain the DVLA from rolling out any digital or new vehicle number plate registration system from January 2026.
The suit, filed on December 22, 2025, was initiated by BEMENCO Embossment Ltd and 26 other companies, all members of VEMAG. The plaintiffs are asking the court to halt the implementation of the new system until the substantive case is determined.
They are also seeking to prevent the DVLA from introducing any alternative arrangement for the embossment and supply of number plates outside the existing framework involving licensed local embossers.
Allegations of Procurement Breaches
VEMAG has raised concerns that the DVLA allegedly awarded both manufacturing and embossment contracts to a single entity, a move they describe as unprecedented and contrary to established practice in the sector.
The association further claims that:
- The DVLA failed to advertise for tenders
- Approval was not obtained from the Public Procurement Authority
- The process violated the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663)
The plaintiffs have described the decision as illegal, discriminatory and an abuse of administrative authority, arguing that it sidelines several Ghanaian-owned companies that have made significant investments in the vehicle embossment industry.
With parliamentary approval pending and the court case ongoing, the future of Ghana’s digital vehicle number plate system remains uncertain, as stakeholders await further direction from both Parliament and the judiciary.
