The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has reiterated that DV number plates are not intended for routine use on public roads, warning motorists against treating them as a substitute for full vehicle registration.
According to the Authority, DV plates are issued exclusively to licensed car dealers and vehicle manufacturers and are meant for limited, clearly defined purposes within their operations.
The DVLA’s Director of Communications, Stephen Attuh, explained that DV plates are primarily used for the temporary movement of vehicles, such as when a car is being taken out for repairs, inspections, or test drives before sale.
He said the plates are not meant to be used freely after a vehicle has been sold, a practice he described as unlawful and increasingly common on Ghana’s roads.
“Once a vehicle is sold and leaves the dealer’s premises, the law requires that it be fully registered before it can be driven on public roads. DV plates are only applicable for test driving or fixing defects,” Mr Attuh stated.
He attributed the growing misuse of DV plates to the conduct of some car dealers, accusing them of disregarding established regulations. Mr Attuh cited Regulation 23 of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2180, which clearly outlines the conditions for issuing trade licences and the limitations placed on the use of DV plates.
He warned that any use of DV plates outside their approved purposes constitutes a breach of the law and would attract sanctions, urging both dealers and motorists to comply fully with vehicle registration requirements.
