DVLA promises smooth 2026 launch of new vehicle registration

The DVLA says its 2026 digital number‑plate system will not burden vehicle owners, assuring the public at a sensitisation forum in Ho.

Deputy Director for Vehicle Inspection and Registration, Kwasi Bona Otuo Srebour, urged motorists to stay calm as the new regime rolls out, stressing that the registration process itself will remain unchanged despite the plates’ advanced digital capabilities.

According to Otuo Srebour, the modernised framework aims to create a clean, searchable database of all vehicles, eliminating the long‑standing problem of untraceable aluminium plates that can be swapped between cars to facilitate crime.

“These aluminium plates carry no information, allowing them to be moved from one vehicle to another and used for criminal activities,” he explained.

The reform, he added, will expose improperly registered vehicles and strengthen authorities’ ability to track ownership accurately, thereby reducing crime linked to untraceable plates.

Addressing the concerns of commercial motorcyclists, Otuo Srebour revealed that legislative amendments to legalise Okada operations have been submitted to Parliament. Once approved, a distinct number‑plate category will be issued for these riders under the new system.

Deputy Volta Regional Police Commander ACP Samuel Stephen Okunor welcomed the innovation, describing it as a timely solution to verification challenges faced during investigations.

“It is a very good initiative. Because of the challenges we go through, especially in hit‑and‑run cases, we have to deal with many manual processes at the DVLA. This introduction will reduce our workload and hasten investigations,” he said.

Okunor added that police hope the DVLA will provide handheld devices to quickly identify vehicle owners, further enhancing law‑enforcement efficiency.

The DVLA has launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign ahead of the 2026 rollout, engaging transport unions, security agencies, and the general public to ensure smooth adoption of the new digital plates.

Both officials called for intensified public education to help citizens understand the benefits and operational aspects of the upcoming system.

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