The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced a temporary suspension of the nationwide rollout of its new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)–embedded vehicle licence plates, which had been scheduled to begin on January 2, 2026.
Reason for the Suspension
According to the Authority, the delay was necessitated by Parliament’s inability to complete amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180) before the House adjourned on Friday, December 19, 2025. While lawmakers successfully amended the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), the related regulatory changes needed to define the technical and legal specifications for the new plates remain outstanding.
The DVLA said the absence of these regulatory amendments makes it legally impossible to proceed with the implementation of the RFID system at this time.
Purpose of the New Plates
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 24, the Authority explained that the RFID-enabled plates are designed to:
• Improve vehicle traceability
• Support road safety and law enforcement
• Enhance data integration across transport and security agencies
However, the DVLA stressed that full implementation requires a complete and enforceable legal framework.
Interim Measures
Pending the completion of the legislative process, the DVLA announced that:
• Existing Departure from Port (DP) stickers will remain valid beyond January 2, 2026
• Current DV licence plates will continue to be recognised for vehicle identification
• Vehicle owners do not need to take immediate action until a new implementation date is announced.
The Authority assured the public that it is working closely with Parliament and other stakeholders to resolve the outstanding legal issues and will resume the rollout once all requirements are met.
The DVLA thanked motorists and industry stakeholders for their patience and cooperation, pledging to provide timely updates as the process moves forward.
Source: Africa Publicity
