DV Plates Not for Regular Road Use – DVLA Warns
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has issued a strong reminder to motorists and vehicle dealers that DV number plates are not intended for regular or prolonged use on public roads, warning that their misuse constitutes a clear breach of Ghana’s road traffic regulations.
The Authority stressed that DV plates, commonly referred to as dealer or trade plates are strictly issued to licensed car dealers and vehicle manufacturers and are meant for limited, clearly defined operational purposes, not as a substitute for full vehicle registration.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, February 5, the Director of Communication at the DVLA, Stephen Attuh, clarified that the growing presence of DV plates on roads across the country reflects widespread misunderstanding and non-compliance with the law.
According to Mr. Attuh, DV plates are designed to facilitate specific dealer-related activities, including the temporary movement of vehicles within the course of business operations.
“These plates are meant for very specific purposes such as when a vehicle is being moved out of a dealer’s facility to fix a defect, undergo testing, or be test-driven before it is sold,” he explained.
He emphasised that once a vehicle has been sold and leaves the dealer’s premises, it must be properly registered and issued with a permanent registration number before it can lawfully be driven on public roads.
Misconceptions Fueling Abuse
Mr. Attuh expressed concern that many motorists mistakenly believe DV plates can be used freely after purchasing a vehicle, a practice he described as illegal and dangerous.
“You are not required to have a DV plate on your vehicle so long as it is not for purposes of fixing a defect on it or test driving. Once the vehicle is sold to you and you are off the dealer’s facility, you are required by law to register the vehicle to be duly identified before it can be on our roads,” he said.
He warned that vehicles operating indefinitely on DV plates undermine road safety, law enforcement, and vehicle traceability, making it difficult for authorities to properly identify vehicles involved in traffic offences, accidents, or criminal activity.
Dealers Fingered in Widespread Non-Compliance
The DVLA placed significant responsibility for the growing misuse of DV plates on car dealers themselves, accusing some operators of flouting the law by allowing customers to continue using DV plates long after vehicles have been sold.
Mr. Attuh cited Regulation 23 of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2180, which governs trade licences and the conditions under which DV plates may be issued and used.
“The dealers have allowed for the misuse of DV plates. Regulation 23 of LI 2180 clearly spells out what a trade licence is and how a person can acquire one. The DV plate has many limitations, and its use for ordinary driving is not permitted,” he stated.
He explained that trade licences are issued to dealers, not individual motorists, and are tied to the dealer’s business operations rather than private vehicle ownership.
Call for Enforcement and Public Education
The DVLA says it is intensifying public education and working with law enforcement agencies to clamp down on the misuse of DV plates. The Authority warned that motorists found using DV plates outside their lawful purpose risk sanctions, fines, and possible seizure of vehicles.
Mr. Attuh urged vehicle buyers to insist on proper registration immediately after purchase and encouraged dealers to comply fully with the law to avoid penalties.
“Our roads must be safe, and vehicles must be identifiable. DV plates are not shortcuts. They are regulated tools for specific dealer operations, and abusing them puts everyone at risk,” he said.
The DVLA reiterated that full vehicle registration is not optional but a legal requirement that supports road safety, accountability, and effective traffic management nationwide.
