The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ghana is facing a backlash over its escalating "delinquency" fines for expired driver's licenses. The charges, which range from GH¢204.25 for a licence expired by between one day and six months to GH¢404.25 for more than four years, have been questioned by CUTS International, a public policy think tank.
DVLA Faces Calls to Explain Delinquency Charges
CUTS International, a public policy think tank, has called on the DVLA to suspend its escalating "delinquency" charges on expired driver's licenses until it publicly establishes the legal authority, approval process, and formula used to determine the fees. The think tank argues that the charges lack clear backing in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180) and could unfairly penalise motorists whose licenses have expired even when they have not driven during the period.
According to Appiah Kusi Adomako, Director of the West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International, the DVLA should disclose the precise statutory instrument and approved fee schedule authorising each charge. "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. "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."
Expiry Does Not Prove Driving
CUTS International has also argued that the mere expiry of a licence should not automatically be equated with unlawful driving. The think tank noted that a licence holder could be living abroad, studying, ill, or simply not driving for an extended period. "Such a person, it argued, could return years later and seek to renew the licence without having driven on Ghanaian roads during the period of expiry," Mr Adomako said. "He should not be branded delinquent and punished as though expiry itself proves unlawful driving."
Concerns Over GH¢181 Data Amendment Fee
The think tank has also raised concerns about a GH¢181 charge for amending a licence holder's electronic records. CUTS International argues that charging motorists to update basic information such as telephone numbers or residential addresses could discourage people from keeping their records current. "Accurate contact and residential information is important for road safety, identity verification, criminal investigations, and emergency communication," Mr Adomako said. "The DVLA should design fees to support compliance, not discourage it."
Calls for Urgent Inquiry
CUTS International has consequently called on Parliament to conduct an urgent inquiry into the legality, approval, and administration of the DVLA's escalating "delinquency" charges. The think tank also wants the DVLA and the Ghana Police Service to clarify their respective enforcement responsibilities so the public can clearly understand the processes for investigating, prosecuting, and sanctioning drivers who operate vehicles without valid licences. As the controversy surrounding the DVLA's delinquency charges continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether the Authority will comply with the demands of CUTS International and provide the necessary transparency and clarification on its charges.
Source: Joy Online
