- DVLA to begin arrests for fake or expired DV/DP plates on May 4, 2026.
- The crackdown follows widespread non-compliance with earlier warnings.
- Prosecution will be handled in partnership with the Ghana Police MTTD.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has officially declared a nationwide crackdown for vehicle owners. In a stern statement issued on Friday, April 17, 2026, the Authority announced that it will begin the arrest and prosecution of any individual found using fake, forged, or expired DV plates and DP stickers, effective May 4, 2026.
This move is an effort to protect the integrity of Ghana’s vehicle registration data and ensure public safety across the country. The directive follows an earlier notice from March 19, 2026, which flagged the continued use of expired 2025 plates and forged 2026 versions. While initial enforcement began in late March, the DVLA noted that some users continue to follow path of non-compliance, necessitating this stricter roadmap to legal action.
Working in close collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, the DVLA’s Compliance Team has already been active in removing non-compliant plates from the streets. However, from the May 4 deadline, the strategy shifts from mere removal to active prosecution. Under Regulation 23(II) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), possessing or using forged trade licenses is a criminal offense that will no longer be overlooked.
The Authority has urged all motorists to verify their stickers and plates immediately to avoid the risk of ending up in court. This enforcement is part of a broader 2026 initiative to create a more transparent and efficient vehicle administration system, ensuring that every vehicle on Ghanaian roads is properly documented and legally authorized to operate.
