Ghana's Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), have introduced detailed rules for vehicle registration, number plates, and display. The regulations outline the requirements for registration numbers, number plates, and their display. Every registered vehicle must have an identification mark or registration number assigned by the Licensing Authority. For ordinary motor vehicles, this mark must appear on two number plates.
The new regulations specify the requirements for number plates. They must be securely fixed, upright or within 15 degrees of an upright position, and the letters and numbers must be clearly legible. The front and rear plates must also be easily distinguishable. The reflective characters on a plate must be clearly legible at night in clear weather and recognisable by a driver following from at least 60 metres away.
The regulations create several identifiable categories for number plates. Private vehicles have a white background with the region, Ghana map, Ghana flag, unique alphanumeric identification mark, and registration-centre code. Commercial vehicles have a yellow background with similar security and identification information. Diplomatic vehicles have plates determined by the Licensing Authority in collaboration with the Ministry responsible for Foreign Affairs.
The regulations also outline the consequences of not complying with the new rules. A person cannot keep, use or drive a motor vehicle or trailer on a road without the required registration plate. Obscuring or covering a number plate is also prohibited and can attract a fine of not less than 10 and not more than 25 penalty units, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.
Vehicle registration numbers must be renewed every two years by applying to the Licensing Authority. The Licensing Authority is required to notify the owner one month before the registration period expires. Once the renewal requirements have been met and the prescribed fee paid, the Authority issues a validation sticker to be placed on the top-left corner of the licensed plates.
The Licensing Authority may withdraw a registration number if the owner fails to renew it or if it has remained unassigned for five years or more. When a vehicle is sold, both the existing owner and the prospective new owner must notify the Licensing Authority of the change of ownership within 14 days. The transfer does not happen merely because the parties have signed documents; the Licensing Authority must physically check the chassis number.
When a vehicle is sold, the previous owner cannot simply transfer the vehicle registration number to the prospective owner unless the Licensing Authority approves it. The new owner then applies for a temporary registration number, reactivation of an existing registration number, or a new permanent registration number. The seller's old registration number is deactivated and recalled.
Key points
- Vehicle registration numbers in Ghana must be renewed every two years.
- The new regulations specify the requirements for number plates, including their display and legibility.
- The Licensing Authority may withdraw a registration number if the owner fails to renew it or if it has remained unassigned for five years or more.
