The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), in collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, has announced a nationwide enforcement exercise targeting vehicles using 2025 DV plates and expired DP stickers.

The exercise is set to commence on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

According to a press statement issued on Thursday, March 19, the move forms part of efforts to ensure full compliance with road traffic regulations following the introduction of new vehicle registration plates.

Authorities have indicated that the use of outdated plates and stickers will no longer be tolerated under the current legal framework.

The DVLA explained that, due to operational challenges encountered during preparations for the rollout of new vehicle licence plates, it previously permitted the extended use of 2025 DV plates and DP stickers. This temporary arrangement remained in place until the new system was ready.

However, a significant shift occurred on February 4, 2026, when the Authority officially announced the issuance of 2026 DV plates to motor traders, fleet owners, and licensed trade plate dealers.

This followed an earlier call for applications issued in November 2025, which invited eligible stakeholders to apply for allocations under the new regime.

With the release of the 2026 DV plates, the DVLA has stated that the continued use of the 2025 plates and expired DP stickers has automatically become unlawful.

The Authority further pointed to existing legislation governing vehicle registration, noting that the use of DV plates is clearly defined under Regulation 23 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180).

Under these regulations, only specific categories of vehicles are permitted to operate with DV plates. Vehicles that do not fall within those categories must be duly registered before they can legally be used on public roads.

To support compliance, the DVLA also disclosed that all its operational offices began registering vehicles for the 2026 year on January 2, 2026, ensuring that vehicle owners have access to the necessary administrative processes.

In light of the upcoming enforcement, the Authority has urged all motorists currently using 2025 DV plates or expired DP stickers to regularise their documentation without delay.

It warned that failure to comply with the law could result in penalties during the joint DVLA–police clampdown.

"All vehicle owners who are currently using 2025 DV plates or expired DP stickers are encouraged to comply with the Road Traffic laws to avoid legal consequences," the statement concluded.