Come January 2026, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) will begin issuing vehicle number plates in the names of individual owners rather than assigning them permanently to vehicles. Under this new system, when a vehicle is sold, the seller must remove their number plate, and the buyer must apply for a new one under their own name. According to the DVLA, the reform aims to modernise the country's registration system, improve accountability, and curb vehicle-related crimes.

The intention is commendable. In a country where vehicle ownership records often lag behind reality, and cloned or fake plates sometimes feature in criminal activity, a system that ties plates directly to individuals promises enhanced traceability. Law enforcement agencies will find it easier to identify the true owner of a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run, a theft, or a traffic offence.

By eliminating year codes and introducing owner-based plates, the DVLA also seeks to align Ghana with modern global practices, ensuring a cleaner, more transparent vehicle registry. Another clear advantage is the potential to reduce fraud and misuse. The current system, where plates remain attached to vehicles, has created loopholes; some unscrupulous persons reuse or replicate plates to disguise stolen cars.

Making number plates personal means accountability will rest squarely on owners, discouraging impunity and misuse. The reform could also eliminate the black market for "special plates" and help sanitise the used-car industry.

Yet, despite its merits, the policy is not without significant challenges. For one, the cost of frequent plate replacement may prove burdensome, especially for individuals who change cars often. The Ghanaian Times admonishes the DVLA to ensure that fees are not prohibitive, turning compliance into a privilege for the few.

Administrative efficiency is another pressing concern. Without robust digital systems and adequate staffing, the transition could overwhelm DVLA offices and frustrate the very citizens it seeks to serve. Enforcement will also be critical. If old plates are not surrendered or properly tracked, the risk of illegal reuse may persist.

Public awareness, therefore, must accompany the rollout. Ghanaians need clear information on what to do when they buy or sell a car, how to report stolen or missing plates, and what penalties apply for non-compliance. Without such clarity, the new system may breed confusion rather than order.

To succeed, the DVLA, in our view, must learn from global best practices -- notably the UK and Nigeria -- where similar reforms were backed by online portals, affordable fees, and phased public education. Above all, implementation should be gradual and tested before full-scale deployment.

Ultimately, the new number plate regime is a step in the right direction -- but only if executed with precision, fairness, and foresight. Accountability on the road begins with clear identification, yet efficiency and affordability must remain at the heart of reform.

The DVLA has an opportunity to prove that smart policy, when backed by smart systems, can deliver a cleaner, safer, and more credible transport environment for all.

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DVLA's New Number Plate Policy: A Reform Worth Doing Right - Ghanaian Times