The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has said it has noted with concern the use of expired trade plates by motorists, contrary to Regulation 23(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation, 2012 (L.I. 2180) which states that “a trade licence is valid for a period of one year and only in relation to the specific motor vehicle for which the trade licence was issued”.
The Authority said it has also observed that some drivers continue to use expired Defective Vehicle (DV) Plates of last year, DV 2021.
Additionally, motor vehicles bearing trade plates are being used for carrying fare paying passengers, goods, and for hiring purposes against Regulation 23(8) which only authorises the carrying of passengers who are engaging in testing or inspecting the motor vehicle with the view of purchasing the vehicle.
“Unfortunately, most of the motor vehicles used under a trade plate, do not have the plates affixed on the front and rear of the vehicle, which is also an upfront to the law, specifically, Regulation 23(9) of L.I. 2180. Most dealers or fleet owners also fail to enter the movements of the motor vehicle in the trade licence log book as captured in Regulation 24(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation, 2012 (L.I. 2180).
“Related to this observation is the use of Direct from Port (DP) plates beyond the stipulated time of two weeks.
“The misuse of these trade plates are prevalent during holidays and weekends and the Authority wishes to caution the general public against these occurrences. The Compliance and Enforcement team of DVLA, together with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service would step up enforcement of traffic regulations to arrest and cause the prosecution of such offenders.
“We wish to remind motorists that the law provides for severe sanctions on persons who contravene the regulations, including imprisonment,” a statement issued by the DVLA said on Saturday April 30.
It added “The Authority urges dealers, fleet owners and the general driving public to either get valid trade plates for 2022 (DV 22) or have their vehicles registered before they ply our roads.
“The DVLA also takes the opportunity to caution road users to drive cautiously with the onset of the rains, observe road signs, avoid careless overtaking and over-speeding to avoid needless crashes on our roads.
“The Authority wishes all workers a happy May Day (Workers’ Day) and all Muslims a happy Eid-Ul-Fitr celebration.”
By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana