The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is targeting complete registration of both new and old vehicles under its new number plate system by December 2027.

The two-year registration exercise is expected to see over 4 million registered vehicles in the country re-registered under the new system as the authority sets out to introduce the new technology-based number plate beginning January 1, 2026.

Although the new system is expected to enhance security surveillance and enforcement of traffic regulations, some motorists are suggesting more improvements on the system for effective rollout.

The new number plate system will feature Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) chips for security and tracking, and zonal codes aimed at improving accountability and ensuring traceability of vehicles from the ports into the country’s transport system.

As the government sets out to roll out the new system beginning next January, the DVLA explains the new registration will be done in phases, starting with unregistered and government vehicles.

The second phase, which will commence from April 2026 to December 2027, will focus on re-registering existing vehicles.

“We believe that by the end of 2027, if not all vehicles, the majority will be registered," Foster Akwasi Asante (Esq), Deputy CEO of the DVLA, noted.

The DVLA held a regional stakeholder meeting in the Ashanti region, sensitising drivers, technocrats, and law enforcement agencies on the upcoming number plate system.

Although stakeholders consider the new system as an efficient means of clamping down on illegalities, there are some reservations.

“They must ensure the RFID chip is heat-resistant so that we do not have any complications with it when it is finally rolled out,” a stakeholder noted.

Meanwhile, the DVLA is urging the public to comply with the new traffic laws and deal directly with DVLA officials, avoiding third-party intermediaries.

“We advise drivers and car owners to be cautious and only deal with DVLA officials, ignoring any third parties claiming to know better than our officials," he warned.