CUTS International, a public policy think tank, has formally requested the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to immediately suspend its escalating 'delinquency' charges on expired driver's licenses. The organization asserts that it has found no clear legal basis for these charges within the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180).
The DVLA's current fee structure imposes a standard GHS 127.00 for timely license renewals. However, this amount increases significantly for expired licenses. A license expired for one day to six months incurs a GHS 204.25 charge. This rises to GHS 279.25 for seven to 12 months, GHS 315.25 for up to two years, GHS 352.25 for up to four years, and GHS 404.25 for licenses expired over four years. These escalating charges also apply to the replacement of expired driver's licenses.
This challenge comes amid broader concerns about the transparency and legality of fees imposed by state agencies in Ghana. The economy relies on predictable and legally sound regulatory frameworks. Unjustified charges can erode public trust and create unnecessary financial burdens for citizens. This situation highlights the ongoing need for public institutions to operate with clear legal backing for all their financial operations, ensuring fairness and accountability in the collection of public funds.
Appiah Kusi Adomako, Director of the West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International, Accra, signed a press release dated August 9, 2026. He stated, “The DVLA must show Ghanaians the law, the approved fee schedule and the formula behind every cedi it collects as a delinquency charge. 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.” This statement underscores the demand for full disclosure and legal justification.
CUTS International argues that the automatic and progressively increasing nature of these charges is unfair and opaque. The think tank contends that the DVLA must identify the specific statutory instrument and approved fee item authorizing each charge. Regulation 33(1) of L.I. 2180 states that a driver's license “may” be renewed within one month before expiry. Regulation 33(2) explicitly allows for renewal after expiry, indicating the law anticipates such situations.
The organization points out that L.I. 2180 already defines an offense for failing to renew a driver's license as prescribed. Regulation 33(9) stipulates that such an offense is punishable by a fine of not less than 10 penalty units and not more than 25 penalty units, or imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both. CUTS International questions the legal basis for a separate, automatic “delinquency” charge imposed by the DVLA, arguing that enforcement should occur through appropriate authorities and the courts.
The use of “may” instead of “shall” in the regulations suggests that failure to renew a license becomes a punishable offense only when a person drives with an expired license. CUTS International believes that imposing an additional fine for late renewal without proving the individual drove with an expired license could mean the DVLA is exceeding its legal authority. This practice would effectively require the DVLA to interpret “may” as “shall,” which a public authority cannot do without clear statutory authority.
CUTS International is therefore asking the DVLA to clarify whether these escalating charges are approved renewal fees, administrative penalties, or another category. This distinction is crucial. If they are penalties, the DVLA must explain the legal process allowing their administrative imposition without establishing that the person drove during the expired period, providing a hearing opportunity, or obtaining a court finding. The outcome of this challenge could set a precedent for how other state agencies implement and justify their fees and charges.