The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced a suspension of the January 2026 new number plates rollout.
The new number plates rollout was originally scheduled to begin on January 2, 2026.
According to the DVLA, the suspension is due to failure to secure the necessary amendments to the Road Traffic Regulation, 2012 (L.I. 2180).
The DVLA, in its statement, noted that the Parliament successfully amended the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), but the provisions in L.I. 2180 were not passed before Parliament went on recess on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Parts of the DVLA statement read, “Until the legislative requirements are fully settled, we are unable to proceed with the rollout of the new RFID-embedded licence plates”
“The new plates were designed to incorporate modern technology, including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), to promote traceability and enhance road safety.”
“Owners of vehicles with DP stickers and DV plates may continue using them until a time limit is communicated by the Authority,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG) has filed an injunction at the High Court in Accra against the DVLA’s planned new number plates rollout for 2026.
The Vehicle Embossment Association are seeking to restrain the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) from rolling out its planned digital new vehicle number plate registration system starting from January 2026.
Reports suggest the suit was filed by BEMENCO Embossment Ltd and 26 other plaintiffs.
The injunction application was filed at the High Court on Monday, December 22, 2025 and seeks to restrain the DVLA from introducing digitalised vehicle number plates.
The Vehicle Embossment Association, in their injunction, claimed the DVLA awarded both manufacturing and embossment contracts to a single entity, which they claim goes contrary to established practice.
They are also seeking the court to compel the DVLA to continue engaging licensed embossers for 2026 and beyond.
VEMAG is also asking for costs, including solicitors’ fees, and other reliefs the court may deem fit, as well as declarations that the DVLA’s refusal to allocate blank registration plates for 2026 is unlawful and a breach of contract.
According to VEMAG, the DVLA owes some of its members arrears for plates already produced.
Earlier, reports had suggested that the Vehicle Embossers Association of Ghana had petitioned the Transport Ministry to halt the 2026 number plate change planned by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority.
The Vehicle Embossers cited a lack of consultation and claim there will be a looming disruption if DVLA proceed with plans to introduce the new number plate.
According to TV3, they stated, “Vehicle Embossers Association of Ghana petitions Transport Ministry to halt January 2026 number plate changeover, cites lack of consultation and looming disruption”.