The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has suspended its planned rollout of new vehicle number plates initially scheduled for next year. The decision follows Parliament’s inability to amend Legislative Instrument (LI) 2180 before the House rose for the Christmas break. The LI, which requires 21 sitting days to mature, was only eight days old when Parliament adjourned.
Addressing the media, DVLA CEO Julius Neequaye Kotey confirmed that the validity of all existing DV and DP number plates has been extended until the new plates can be officially rolled out next year. He also disclosed that new vehicle owners who register ahead of the rollout will be required to register again once the new plates are introduced.
“The DV plates remain valid, and DP has now changed from plates to stickers,” Mr. Kotey explained. “Anyone with the DP sticker or DV plates can continue to use them until a new timeline is announced.”
Mr. Kotey also dismissed a legal suit filed by the Vehicle Embossment Association regarding the embossment contract. He clarified that since assuming office, no contract has been signed or canceled.
“I have not canceled or signed any new contracts related to number plates,” he said. “We are ready to meet the association in court to resolve any issues.”
Further details revealed that any vehicle registration done before the rollout will be processed only at DVLA regional offices to properly track registrations. The authority also highlighted plans to introduce RFID-embedded license plates for enhanced security once legislative approval is secured.
Parliament is expected to resume in the third week of January, which would allow sufficient time for the LI to mature and enable the rollout to proceed.
