DVLA Warns Public Against Fake DV Plates

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has cautioned motorists and the general public against acquiring DV number plates from unauthorised sources following the arrest of five individuals linked to the production and distribution of counterfeit plates.

The suspects were apprehended during a joint operation between the DVLA and National Security Ghana as authorities intensify efforts to clamp down on the illegal manufacturing and circulation of DV plates across the country.

The Director of Corporate Affairs at the DVLA, Stephen Attuh, urged motorists to exercise caution when acquiring DV plates and ensure they verify their authenticity before use.

According to him, genuine DV plates issued by the Authority contain specific manufacturing components and identifiable security features that distinguish them from fake ones.

“If you pick a DVLA DV plate and look at the licence plate itself, we use a different manufacturing component. Another security feature you can use to detect it is the QR code attached to the plate, which takes you to a serial number that confirms it was issued by DVLA,” he explained.

Mr. Attuh noted that some of the counterfeit plates currently in circulation also carry QR codes; however, these codes redirect users to unrelated foreign databases, clearly indicating that the plates were not issued by the DVLA.

He warned that possessing or using fake DV plates constitutes an offence under Regulation 23 of Legislative Instrument 2118 and urged motorists to verify the authenticity of number plates before acquiring them.

“We want to caution the general public to be on the lookout when getting a DV plate because anybody found in possession of a fake plate will face the law,” he stated.

Mr. Attuh also disclosed that the Authority is preparing to roll out a new vehicle licensing and number plate regime that will incorporate enhanced security features to curb illegal activities associated with number plate production.

According to him, the new system will include number plates embedded with a radio frequency identification device (RFID) chip, which will store relevant vehicle information to assist law enforcement agencies.

“The new licence plate will come with a radio frequency identification device (RFID) embedded chip which will contain adequate information to help law enforcement agencies detect who owns a particular vehicle, especially when it is involved in crime,” he added.