The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has reiterated that DV number plates are strictly issued to vehicle manufacturers and car dealers for specific, limited purposes, and are not intended for general or prolonged use on public roads.

Clarifying the matter, DVLA Director of Communication, Stephen Attuh, explained that DV plates are designed to support specific dealer operations, such as moving vehicles temporarily for test drives or to correct defects before final sale.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, February 5, Mr. Attuh addressed growing public concern over the widespread misuse of DV plates on Ghanaian roads.

“DV plates are not required for ordinary vehicle use. They are only valid when a vehicle is being tested or serviced for defects. Once the vehicle is sold and leaves the dealer’s facility, it must be registered to be legally driven on public roads,” he said.

Mr. Attuh placed the responsibility for the misuse of DV plates largely on car dealers, accusing some of ignoring regulations.

He cited Regulation 23 of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2180, emphasizing that the rules governing the issuance and use of trade licences are clear, and any deviation amounts to a violation of the law.

“The dealers have facilitated the misuse of DV plates. LI 2180 clearly defines the conditions for trade licences. DV plates come with many limitations, and using them for ordinary driving is not allowed,” he stressed.

The DVLA reiterated that adherence to these rules is essential to ensure road safety, vehicle accountability, and compliance with the law.