The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced an updated schedule of roadside fines targeting vehicle defects and documentation infractions, in a bid to improve road safety and compliance across Ghana.
The revised penalties, published in a notice from the DVLA’s Compliance and Enforcement Unit, apply to a wide range of offenses, including expired licenses, fake driving documents, and faulty vehicle components.
Each violation now attracts a fine of GH¢225.
Common infractions listed include:
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Driving with an expired license
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Operating a vehicle without a valid license
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Use of faulty seat belts, worn-out tires, or smoky exhaust systems
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Displaying expired roadworthiness stickers or altered number plates
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Driving with the wrong class of license or misusing a learner’s permit
The fines are being implemented under the authority of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which grants the DVLA power to enforce compliance during roadside checks.
“The DVLA is implementing these changes to fulfill its mandate of making our roads safer,” Julius Neequaye Kotey, CEO of the DVLA, said in a Facebook post. “We kindly ask for your full cooperation as we work together towards this goal.”
The enforcement push also targets the use of fake licenses, permits, and vehicle documents. Offenders risk facing the same GH¢225 fine, as well as further investigations where fraud is suspected.
Road safety campaigners have expressed support for the new measures, describing them as a needed step to deter reckless behavior and reduce accidents.
However, some drivers have raised concerns about public awareness, calling for more education to accompany the rollout.
DVLA officials say the enforcement will be conducted with fairness and motorists will have the opportunity to correct certain violations when feasible.
Authorities have urged drivers to check their vehicles’ condition and ensure all required documentation is valid to avoid penalties.
Check the full list of chargeable offenses below;
