DVLA Moves to ’26’ Vehicle Number Plate Suffix
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has officially transitioned from the “25” to the “26” vehicle number plate suffix, effective January 2, 2026. This move follows delays in rolling out a new registration regime, which was initially set to take effect today.
The DVLA had planned to introduce a new number plate system that would remove the year-based suffixes, but this required amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, L.I. 2180, which could not be passed in time. The new system was designed to be RFID-enabled, allowing authorities to digitally scan vehicles for tracking, road tolling, speed monitoring, and law enforcement.
DVLA’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Stephen Attuh, explained that the authority was compelled to maintain the existing registration system due to the delay in completing the necessary legal amendments. The old vehicle registration system will remain in place until the legal issues with the new regime are resolved.
The DVLA has assured the public that the new number plate system will be implemented as soon as Parliament passes the required amendments. The proposed new system is designed to modernize Ghana’s vehicle identification process, enhance security, and align with international best practices.
The new number plates were expected to feature the region of registration, a unique four-digit number, and a zonal code, replacing the current year-based suffix system. This change aims to improve vehicle tracking, reduce vehicle cloning and theft, and end the misuse of temporary “DV” plates.
The DVLA’s decision to delay the rollout of the new system was influenced by a lawsuit filed by the Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana, which raised concerns about the procurement process.
Author: Korkor Anumu
