The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) says the rollout of its new digital number plate system has stalled because amendments to Legislative Instrument (LI) 2180 could not be completed before Parliament went on recess.
Director of Corporate Affairs, Stephen Attuh, clarified that the suspension is not linked to any legal action against the Authority. He assured the public that preparations are underway for a smooth transition once Parliament grants approval.
“We have had to suspend this exercise due to our inability to meet the LI amendment. There is no injunction against the Authority. Let nobody confuse our suspension or take credit for it as a result of any legal process,” Attuh stated.
The new plates will feature radio frequency identification (RFID) chips and can only be embossed by the DVLA. According to Attuh, this upgrade will enhance traceability and prevent tampering.
“Once you attempt to remove the plate, it becomes unusable. That’s why embossing will be done solely at DVLA. Any damage renders the plate invalid,” he explained.
Attuh further advised vehicle owners registered before 2023 to begin migrating to the digital platform to avoid congestion when the rollout begins.
“Vehicles registered before 2023 were done manually, while those after 2023 are digital and have smart cards. We encourage all pre-2023 registrants to visit our offices for migration to the digital system,” he said.
The DVLA added that once the system is fully operational, vehicle owners will also be issued official titles, strengthening ownership verification and reducing fraud.
So far, more than 800 vehicles have been registered nationwide this year under the old system. For now, the existing white plates for private vehicles and yellow plates for commercial vehicles remain valid.
