The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ghana has faced criticism for its handling of expired driver's licences, with many arguing that the authority's approach is unfair and impractical. Recently, the Centre for Consumer Protection and Education (CUTS) raised concerns about the DVLA's delinquency charges for late renewal and replacement of driver's licences. According to CUTS, merely holding an expired licence does not constitute a crime, but rather becomes an offence when one drives with an expired licence.
The DVLA has responded to the criticism, issuing a release clarifying its position on delinquency charges. The authority stated that it is the responsibility of licence holders to ensure their licences are active at all times, and that licences should not be allowed to expire. However, this stance has been disputed by many, who argue that there are circumstances in which licence holders cannot renew their licences on time or have no reason to drive.
Various scenarios have been highlighted, illustrating the complexities of the issue. For instance, a person who serves as a Member of Parliament for 12 years and uses a chauffeur throughout that period may not need to drive themselves. If they later decide to drive again and go to the DVLA to renew their expired licence, should they be treated as having engaged in misconduct? Similarly, a Ghanaian police officer or soldier deployed on a peacekeeping mission abroad may have their licence expire while they are away, and face delinquency charges upon their return.
The DVLA's approach has also been criticized for failing to account for situations where licence holders are unable to drive due to circumstances beyond their control. For example, a pregnant woman advised by her doctor not to drive, or someone who suffers a stroke and is unable to drive for an extended period. In such cases, it is argued that the licence holder should not be penalized for not renewing their licence on time.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the practical implications of the DVLA's approach, particularly for individuals living abroad. A Ghanaian living in the United States or the United Kingdom who keeps a Ghanaian licence for visits home may face delinquency charges if their licence expires while they are abroad. The DVLA has been accused of not providing practical means for licence holders abroad to renew their licences.
One notable case highlights the problems that can arise when the delay is the DVLA's own fault. A licence holder who applied to renew their licence at the DVLA's Kumasi office in 2022 was issued a temporary licence, which had to be extended repeatedly. After a four-year wait, the applicant was finally informed that their card was ready, but was shocked to discover that they had to pay a delinquency charge. The applicant is now seeking a refund and an explanation for the delay.
The controversy surrounding the DVLA's delinquency charges has sparked a wider debate about road safety and the role of the DVLA. While the authority's goal is to ensure road safety, many argue that its approach is overly punitive and fails to account for the complexities of real-life situations. The DVLA's claim that licences should not be allowed to expire has been disputed, with many arguing that the law does not support this stance.
Key points
- The DVLA's delinquency charges have sparked concerns about fairness and practicality.
- The authority's approach has been criticized for failing to account for circumstances beyond the licence holder's control.
- The controversy has sparked a wider debate about road safety and the role of the DVLA.
