Police News Release on the use of DV/DP Plates

The Police Communication and Public Relations Department has issued a news  release on the use of DP and DV plates. It settles the matter of concern to the general public.

  It has come to the attention of the Police Administration that there has been some misunderstanding between motorists using DP/DV plates and Police officers regarding the use of these vehicles between 6pm-6am.

• Complaints from users of these vehicles indicate police officers often arrest and impose restrictions on the use of such vehicles between 6pm-6am.
• In view of this misunderstanding, the Police Administration sought a clarification from the Driver and vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and based on that, the following directives have been issued: • There is no provision in the Road Traffic Act 2004(Act 683) and the Road Traffic Regulation, 2012(L.I 2180) that gives any restriction on the use of trade plates in respect of time.
• That the Police order issued in 2007 imposing restrictions on the use of trade plates between 6pm-6am is no longer valid.

The Inspector General of Police has directed that, with immediate effect, no Police officer should arrest any motorist with a DV or DP plate with regards to time of usage. However, the following conditions regarding the use of DV/DP plates have been specified in sections 23&24 of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012(LI2180).

The Police Administration therefore advises the public and Police officers to be familiar with these provisions among others as summarized below for strict adherence.

1. A motor vehicle used under a trade license shall have the plates bearing the trade number FIXED on the front and rear of the motor vehicle.
2. Daily and every movements of a trade license on a motor vehicle shall be entered in the assigned log-book.
3. A dealer or fleet owner shall make the log book available for inspection by a Police officer in uniform at the request of that Police officer.  
4. A trade license does not authorize the motor vehicle for which the license has been issued to be used to carry passengers, for hire or reward or passengers who are not engaged in testing the motor vehicle or inspecting the motor vehicle.
5. A trade license motor vehicle SHALL not be used for social events (funerals, engagements, weddings etc) or by learner license holder among others.
6. A trade license is valid for a period of one year

Signed by ASP David Eklu

Director General – Public Affairs of Ghana Police 

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