Accra: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is responsible for regulating vehicle registration activities in Ghana, ensuring accurate records of vehicles on the roads. This mandate helps in crime prevention by providing reliable vehicle ownership data.
According to Ghana Web, the DVLA operates under the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683) and the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180). These laws require the authority to maintain comprehensive vehicle records. While ideally, all vehicles would be registered immediately, the framework allows for temporary records through Trade Licences, including Trade Licence Plates such as the Drive from Port (DP) sticker and the DV plate.
Section 45 of Act 683 outlines the issuance of Trade Licences to vehicle manufacturers, testers, traders, and other authorized individuals, upon payment of a fee. Subsection (5) specifically addresses the issuance of Trade Licence Plates for temporary use by importers and fleet owners. Appeals against licence allocation refusals can be made to the Minister of Transport.
The Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), particularly Regulation 23, details the conditions and validity of trade licences. They are issued for one year and are non-transferable between vehicles. Subregulation (3) allows licences for specific situations, such as vehicle testing or transfer for repairs.
Despite provisions for individual importers to use DV plates for vehicle repairs, the system faces abuse. Individuals often import vehicles for trade under the guise of personal use, demanding DV plates for vehicles in pristine condition. This practice avoids tax obligations and misuses the DV system, intended for temporary and specific-use cases.
In response, the DVLA has restricted the issuance of DV plates, assessing demand and releasing a controlled number annually. This action combats system abuse and ensures vehicles unfit for DV plates are registered promptly.
Buyers are advised to secure necessary registration documents during vehicle transactions, ensuring customs duties are paid and avoiding future complications. The DVLA's reforms aim to reduce unregistered vehicle use and reinforce the distinction between DV plates and full vehicle registration.