The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has started the pilot phase of its new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled number plates as part of efforts to improve vehicle identification, strengthen road security and modernise Ghana’s vehicle registration system.
The pilot programme is expected to help the DVLA evaluate the effectiveness of the new vehicle registration technology, including the processes associated with the RFID-enabled plates, before they are introduced nationwide.
According to the Authority, the initiative is designed to create a more secure, tamper-resistant and technology-driven vehicle identification system while improving the traceability of registered vehicles across Ghana.
New Ghana Number Plates to Feature Enhanced Security
The introduction of the new number plates follows the passage of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519) and forms part of the DVLA’s broader efforts to improve the security, integrity and efficiency of Ghana’s vehicle registration system.
The redesigned RFID-enabled number plate comes with several identification and security features, including:
- “REPUBLIC OF GHANA” displayed prominently at the top of the plate.
- The Ghana Flag positioned at the top-right corner.
- A biennial renewal sticker ring located at the top-left corner.
- The region of registration displayed at the bottom of the plate.
- A watermark of the map of Ghana positioned at the centre.
Year of Registration Removed From New Number Plates
Under the new vehicle registration system, the year of registration will no longer be displayed on Ghanaian number plates.
The redesigned registration format will consist of numbers followed by four letters. The first two letters will represent the Registration Centre Code, while the final two letters will serve as a Random Identification Mark and will not follow a sequential numbering pattern.
The changes are intended to enhance vehicle traceability while making the registration system more secure and difficult to manipulate.
New Number Plates to Be Issued From January 2027
The current pilot phase involves a selected number of vehicles and will allow the DVLA to test, assess and refine the new RFID vehicle identification system before its full implementation.
The official issuance of the new RFID-enabled number plates is expected to begin in January 2027, initially covering unregistered vehicles.
The DVLA will later announce the detailed arrangements and commencement date for the re-registration of vehicles that are already registered.
The new system is expected to represent a major step in Ghana’s efforts to modernise vehicle registration, road traffic management, vehicle identification and transport security through the use of technology.
Source: newsthemegh.com