The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has explained that the rollout of the new vehicle plate system has been delayed due to legal and parliamentary requirements.

The Authority had intended to introduce new number plates that would drop the year-based suffix and feature Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.

The digital plates were designed to enable electronic scanning for vehicle tracking, road tolling, speed monitoring, and law enforcement.

Speaking on the AM Show, Stephen Attuh, Director of Corporate Affairs at DVLA, said the authority cannot issue new plates until amendments to the governing legislation are formally in force.

“Under regulation 10 of LI 2180, it tells you specifically everything that should be on the plate. If you have features that have not been spelt out in the LI, you are acting illegally,” Mr Attuh explained.

He added that the proposed amendments to the legislation had not completed the required 21 sitting days in Parliament before the recent recess, forcing DVLA to suspend the rollout.

Mr Attuh acknowledged the enthusiasm of Ghanaians for the new plates, noting that many vehicle owners had anticipated the launch and were eager to register their custom plates.

“We do appreciate the enthusiasm, and we love the fact that Ghanaians have embraced the technology we proposed,” he said, while emphasising that DVLA is a law-abiding institution and cannot operate outside legal frameworks.

The new plate system, which promises enhanced security features and a modernised design, was initially expected to be rolled out last year.

However, DVLA has stressed that the delay is purely procedural and linked to ensuring full compliance with existing regulations, reflecting the authority’s commitment to legality and transparency.

“Because the LI was not in force, you can’t go ahead and bring in a new plate; that would become an illegal exercise. We had to hold back while we wait on Parliament to come back,” Mr Attuh added, reassuring Ghanaians that the launch will proceed once the legislative process is completed.