The Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) International has called on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to suspend its escalating “delinquency” charges imposed on Ghanaians who renew or replace their driving licences after expiry.
CUTS says it has not found a clear legal basis for the charges under the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180) and is demanding that the DVLA explain the legal authority, approval process and formula used to determine the amounts.
In a statement signed by Appiah Kusi Adomako, Director of the West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International, the organisation said the charges should be suspended until the DVLA provides clear explanations to the public.
Under the DVLA’s 2026 Summary of Licensing and Other Activity Rates, renewing a licence before expiry costs GH¢127.
However, the amount rises to GH¢204.25 when the licence has expired for up to six months, GH¢279.25 for seven to 12 months, GH¢315.25 for up to two years, GH¢352.25 for up to four years and GH¢404.25 when the licence has been expired for more than four years.
CUTS argues that the automatic increase raises questions about whether the charges are legally approved fees or administrative penalties.
“The DVLA must show Ghanaians the law, the approved fee schedule and the formula behind every cedi it collects as a delinquency charge,” Mr Adomako said.
He added, “Public power must rest on law. If the Authority cannot point to a clear legal basis for each charge, it must stop collecting the money and refund affected licence holders.”
CUTS cited Regulation 33(1) and 33(2) of L.I. 2180, which provide for the renewal of driving licences before and after expiry. The organisation also noted that Regulation 33(9) provides penalties for failure to renew a licence as prescribed.
According to CUTS, this raises questions about whether the DVLA can impose an additional automatic charge simply because a licence has expired.
The organisation stressed that an expired licence does not necessarily mean the holder continued driving during the period of expiry. It cited people who may have been abroad, studying, ill or simply not driving during the period.
“CUTS is not encouraging anyone to drive with an expired licence. Driving without a valid licence must attract lawful enforcement. Our concern is different: the DVLA should not presume that every person with an expired licence continued to drive,” Mr Adomako said.
CUTS is also calling for clear provisions on waivers and exemptions for people who can show that they did not use their licences while they were expired.
The think tank further wants the DVLA and Ghana Police Service to clarify their respective roles in enforcing laws against driving with expired licences, particularly where motorists may face both court penalties and additional DVLA charges.
CUTS has also questioned the GH¢181 charge for amending basic licence records, such as residential addresses and telephone numbers, arguing that the fee could discourage motorists from keeping their information up to date.
“The DVLA should design fees to support compliance, not discourage it,” Mr Adomako said.
CUTS International is therefore calling on Parliament to conduct an urgent inquiry into the legality, approval and administration of the DVLA’s escalating “delinquency” charges.
