By: Ashiadey Dotse
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has suspended the planned rollout of the new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) embedded vehicle licence plates.
The new plates were expected to take effect from January 2, 2026. However, the suspension follows Parliament’s inability to complete amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), before it went on recess on Friday, December 19, 2025.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, the DVLA explained that although Parliament amended the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), the necessary changes to L.I. 2180 were not completed. As a result, there is no full legal backing for the introduction of the new licence plates.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, said the RFID-enabled plates were designed to improve vehicle tracking and enhance road safety through modern technology. However, the Authority cannot proceed without the complete legal framework.
Due to the suspension, the DVLA has extended the use of existing Departure from Port (DP) stickers and DV licence plates beyond January 2, 2026. Vehicle owners currently using these plates and stickers can continue to do so until a new deadline is officially announced.
The DVLA assured the public that the rollout of the new licence plates will resume once all outstanding legislative requirements are completed. The Authority also thanked the public for their patience and called for continued cooperation as it works with relevant stakeholders to finalize the legal processes.
