The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has warned the public against using the' Defective Vehicle (DV). Giving insight into the appropriate usage of the number plate, he noted that it is designated for car dealers only when the car hasn't been certified to be worthy to hit the road.

Speaking during an interview with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, during the launch of the DVLA Lorry Terminal Project at Circle, he stated that DV plates are exclusively for use by car dealers.

“Only car dealers are supposed to use DV plates. It stands for ‘Defective Vehicle’ because the vehicle hasn’t yet been inspected by us for roadworthiness. That’s why we call it a DV plate. It’s not meant for any other person, only for dealers when they’re working on the vehicle,” the DVLA CEO stated.

He explained that, in partnership with the SIC, a two-week insurance cover is given to cars at the ports, which are given the DP sticker after this period; the vehicle must be registered.

“SIC is providing two weeks of insurance cover. After that, you must register your car because DV plates are not supposed to be used by ordinary citizens,” he explained.

The use of DV and DP plates is governed by the Road Traffic Act 683/04, as amended by Act 761/08, and the Road Traffic Regulations 2012, L.I. 2180.

Speaking on the long-standing presence of "goro boys", a group of unofficial middlemen involved in activities related to DVLA offices, he explained that they often pose as helpers to individuals navigating vehicle registration, licensing, and other administrative processes, usually for a fee.

These "goro boys" are not employed by the DVLA; however, they have been a consistent part of the Authority’s day-to-day environment since the era of the late Jerry John Rawlings through to the current Mahama-led administration. They have long operated within the informal ecosystem surrounding the Authority.

He suggested that since the presence of “goro boys” seems to have become embedded in the DVLA’s operations, it would be practical to officially integrate and regulate them. This, he believes, would help monitor their activities and better protect consumers.

“Let’s regularise what they do, then we can control how much they charge the public. You and I will admit that they overcharge our people, and I’m against it. But before you can regulate, you must have some level of authority and control over them. Let’s bring them on board, control what they do and regularise how much they charge, so it aligns with what the ultra service also charges. That way, they can’t overcharge. That is all.”

Also, DVLA have upped their game as it advances with the adoption of more digital solutions as the world advances in terms of technology. The DVLA CEO hinted at an imminent roll-out of e-licence, where drivers would have the opportunity to show proof of their eligibility to drive a vehicle without necessarily carrying their hardcopy license.

“Most of us don’t carry our licenses with us, and it shouldn’t be the case that the police or any other party takes advantage of that. If I don’t have my license with me and I am a driver, I’m still a driver. I should have an app that allows me to identify myself as a legitimate driver on the street and that’s what the e-licence is about.”

He further clarified that the e-licence will not replace the traditional one but would serve as a complement.

“It is not here to replace the physical licence but rather to provide an additional option to access your licence on your Android or iPhone.”

In a related development, DVLA announced a new directive concerning Drive from Port (DP) plates, the aluminium number plates that are temporarily attached to imported vehicles when cleared at entry points like Tema and Takoradi.

In a statement titled “DVLA goes fully digital with issuance of sticker drive from port numbers” and issued on Monday, July 28, the licensing authority announced that, effective August 1, it will phase out these metal plates in place of digital sticker-based DP numbers. These are adhesive labels placed on the vehicle’s windshield, not physical metal plates.

“The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is excited to announce to the general public that with effect from 1st August, 2025, there will be no more issuance of aluminium plates at the Ports.

DVLA will ONLY issue sticker DP numbers at the ports of entry for vehicles that are imported into the country. This move is aimed at making DVLA services secure and efficient for our clients. DVLA will ONLY issue sticker DP numbers at the ports of entry for vehicles that are imported into the country,” the statement read.

The move comes after what DVLA describes as a “successful pilot program” of the issuance of the sticker from Port (DP) at the Tema and Takoradi Ports. The digitisation of the DP numbers is to enhance the safety and speed of DVLA services for all users, according to the authority.

For a successful and sustainable transition of the roll-out, DVLA has partnered with the State Insurance Company (SIC). This partnership has become necessary to give the vehicle a legal cover before it hits the road.

“To make this transition as smooth as possible and safe, we have teamed up with the State Insurance Company (SIC) to ensure that vehicles that are issued with DP stickers are provided with insurance cover before they leave the Ports”, DVLA said.

“The public is encouraged to cooperate with DVLA and SIC to ensure that this transition to innovative and seamless services becomes a success. For further enquiries, contact Customer Service Centre on 0302746760, Our Concern” the statement concluded.

DVLA’s issuance of the aluminium metal plates, particularly the temporary “Drive from Port” (DP) plates, is a long-standing practice by the regulatory authority as part of its vehicle registration process at ports of entry.

DP number plates were given to vehicle owners right after they were cleared from the port to allow them to drive legally while awaiting full registration. Over time, several challenges emerged with the use of these metal plates. Fraud was one of the major issues coupling the DP plates. It was easy to be duplicated and counterfeited, making it susceptible to misuse.

Criminal networks exploited loopholes in the system, producing fake plates and distributing them illegally. Investigations revealed that thousands of plates went unaccounted for monthly, suggesting large-scale theft and black-market activity. Additionally, some individuals who were not authorised dealers used DP plates to avoid registration fees or insurance requirements, undermining road safety and regulatory compliance.

According to the regulations governing the DP plate, it is supposed to be used for ten days from the date of issuance. Within the ten days, the vehicle should always be used with a logbook that records its movements and driver details. Any use beyond the ten-day window is considered illegal and subject to enforcement action.