The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, DVLA, has shut down several insurance company offices operating on its premises in Cape Coast and Sunyani after uncovering an illegal trade in Defective Vehicle, DV, plates.
The action follows a targeted enforcement operation led by the Chief Executive of the DVLA and his deputies.
According to the Authority, intelligence reports and on site inspections revealed that DV plates were being sold unlawfully to private individuals at inflated prices, with some insurance offices allegedly facilitating the transactions.
Investigators found that certain garage owners and operators were bypassing established procedures by selling DV plates directly to members of the public.
The plates, which are meant strictly for licensed garage owners and vehicle dealers, were reportedly sold at high costs to unsuspecting buyers.
DV plates are issued solely for the movement of unregistered vehicles for testing, demonstration or transit. They are not предназначed for regular use by private individuals.
The DVLA stressed that any deviation from this regulation undermines the integrity of the vehicle registration system and poses a risk to road safety.
Officials say some insurance companies operating within DVLA offices in Cape Coast and Sunyani provided a base for the illegal sales, effectively enabling a black market for the plates.
As a result, the affected offices have been ordered to close with immediate effect.
The Authority says it is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that all individuals and organisations involved are held accountable under Ghanaian law.
The DVLA has urged the public to avoid purchasing DV plates from unauthorised sources, warning that engaging in such transactions carries legal consequences and compromises vehicle security.
It advised motorists and vehicle dealers to use only official service centres and approved digital platforms for all registration and licensing services.
