The suspension of Ghana’s proposed new vehicle number plate system has triggered fresh legal concerns, with warnings that thousands of vehicles may now be operating on public roads in violation of mandatory insurance laws.
Hon. Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, MP for Abuakwa South, has cautioned that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority’s (DVLA) decision to allow continued use of Drive from Port (DP) and Defective Vehicle (DV) number plates “until further notice” conflicts directly with the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act, 1958 (Act 42).
According to the law, every vehicle on a public highway must be covered by a valid third-party insurance policy. Dr. Agyemang argues that DP and DV plates are temporary by law and cannot lawfully support prolonged road use, especially where insurance cover has expired or is limited.
He warned that administrative directives cannot override statutory provisions and cited sections of Act 42 that criminalise the operation of uninsured vehicles. Legal experts say the situation exposes the state to potential lawsuits, particularly where accident victims are unable to secure compensation due to invalid insurance cover.
The development follows a High Court injunction granted on December 23, 2025, restraining the implementation of the new plate system, as well as concerns raised in Parliament over the absence of amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations.
Dr. Agyemang has called on the Minister for Transport and the National Insurance Commission to urgently regularise the situation to avoid widespread illegality on Ghana’s roads.