Drivers in Ghana are no longer required to carry their physical driving licence cards when travelling on the country’s roads, the Ghana Police Service has announced.
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) has explained that drivers only need to remember their licence numbers when stopped by police officers for inspection.
Speaking about the new license system, MTTD Director Alexander Obeng said officers can use the licence number provided by a driver to verify their licence status through the police system.
He explained that the previous requirement for motorists to present the original licence card for immediate inspection is no longer applicable.
“Carrying the licence for immediate inspection is no more. The driver is not required to carry the original licence anymore, and the police can’t ask for that on the road,” he said.
According to Mr Obeng, the change is intended to make the process of checking drivers’ licences easier, as officers can confirm the validity and status of a licence using the identification number.
However, drivers are still expected to know their licence numbers when driving. Mr Obeng cautioned that motorists who are unable to provide their licence numbers when requested by the police may be required to produce the original physical licence within 24 hours.
He stressed that the new arrangement does not mean drivers can operate without a valid driving licence. Rather, it removes the need to have the physical card available for immediate inspection during routine checks.
“So carrying it for immediate inspection is no more,” he reiterated.
The announcement means motorists can leave their physical licence cards at home while driving, provided they can supply the correct licence number when requested by law enforcement officers.
