Don't misuse DV plates, police cautions drivers

The Tema Police Command has cautioned drivers against the misuse of Defective Vehicle (DV) and Drive from Port (DP) number plates Vehicles which have been cleared from the port prior to registration.

District Commissioner of Police (DCOP)Mrs Beatrice Vib-Zansiri, Tema Regional Police Commander, in a press release said she was dissatisfied about the way DV and DP plates were being misused in the Tema area.

DCOP Vib-Zansiri stated that drivers of vehicles with such number plates used their vehicles for social events such as parties, weddings and funerals which goes contrary to Section 23(8) of the Road Traffic Regulations.

She said the section stipulates that "a trade license does not authorised the motor vehicle for which the license has been issued to be used for carrying of passenger goods, for hire or reward or passengers who are not engaged in testing the motor vehicle or inspecting the Motor vehicle with the view of purchasing the motor vehicle".

She added that a trade license was valid only for a period of one year and only in relation to only the specified motor vehicle for which it was issued. The Regional Commander reminded drivers that the trade plates could only be used between 0600 hours and 0730 hours adding that those who contravene the law would be dealt with.

She indicated that "owners of vehicles who resort to the use of trade plates beyond the stipulated period should also be warned that, in situations where the cars are stolen or snatched from them by criminals, it becomes very difficult for the Police to trace them since these vehicles more or less have no identity like registered number".

DCOP Vib-Sanziri stated that to deter the misuse of the DV and DP plates, her outfit had intensify exercises aimed at stopping the abuse of the use of trade plates as well as clamp down on criminals who use unregistered vehicles for their nefarious activities.

She noted that as part of a nationwide exercise, the Tema Police Command impounded 63 vehicles misusing the DV and DP plates from December 30, 2014 to January 5, this year.

While 10 of the drivers were issued with warning letters and released, the remaining 53 were convicted by the courts and fined between GH¢ 600 and GH¢ 750. A total amount of GH¢ 31,800 was accrued after all accused drivers had paid their fines.