250 Things to Know Before Moving to Ghana
Quick links (related guides):
Table of Contents
- Ghanaian Driver’s Licensing (2026 Fees)
- Driving Rules & Traffic Regulations
- Motor Vehicle Insurance & Verification
- Road Signs, Right-of-Way & Driving Side
- Penalties & Traffic Fines (2026)
- Foreigner & Expat Driving Rules
- Vehicle Import, Registration & RFID Plates
- 2025-2026 Driving Law Changes
- Mandatory On-Board Documents
- Motorcycle & “Okada” Rules
Ghana’s driving laws are primarily governed by the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683) and the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180). In a significant development, Parliament passed the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2025 on December 11, 2025, which has been widely reported as the Road Traffic Amendment Act, 2025 (Act 1153). This new law represents a major shift in several key areas of road safety and regulation.
Why this matters: In 2025 alone, Ghana recorded 14,743 road traffic crashes resulting in 2,949 fatalities. The new laws and technologies aim to drastically reduce these numbers. Understanding the rules is the first step to staying safe on Ghana’s roads.
Ghanaian Driver’s Licensing (2026 Fees)
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) manages a digitized, biometric licensing system. Driving without a valid license is illegal.
Basic Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old for a private car license (Class B). For heavy-duty and commercial licenses (Classes C, D, and F), the minimum age is 25. You will need a Ghana Card for verification, and foreign nationals require a valid residence permit.
Step-by-Step Process
| Step | Required Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply for a Learner’s Permit (valid 3 months). |
| 2 | Complete a mandatory eye exam at a DVLA-accredited optical center. |
| 3 | Enroll in a licensed driving school and complete a mandatory 48-hour training course. |
| 4 | Pass the Computer-Based Theory Test (CBT) with a minimum score of 70%. |
| 5 | Pass the Practical Driving Test with a DVLA examiner. |
| 6 | Receive your temporary smart card license. Use expedited services for faster processing. |
DVLA License Categories
| Category | Permitted Vehicle Type |
|---|---|
| Class A | Motorcycles and motor tricycles |
| Class B | Saloon cars, small buses, pick-ups up to 2,950 kg |
| Class C | Medium goods vehicles |
| Class D | Heavy goods vehicles (HGV) |
| Class E | Public service vehicles (buses, trotros) |
| Class F | Heavy agricultural or industrial machinery |
2026 Licensing Fees (Multi-Currency)
These fees are based on the DVLA’s 2026 service charges. Exchange rates fluctuate.
| Service | GHS | USD (approx.) | GBP (approx.) | RMB (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Category B (car) license | 565 | 49 | 39 | 350 |
| Expedited (Prestige) service | 935 | 81 | 64 | 580 |
| Cheapest possible license (basic route) | 624 | 54 | 43 | 387 |
Traffic Rules & Key Regulations
Speed Limits
| Road / Area Type | Maximum Speed |
|---|---|
| Sensitive zones (schools, markets, residential) | 30 km/h |
| Urban & built-up areas | 50 km/h |
| Highways (outside built-up areas) | 90 km/h |
| Motorways (e.g., Accra-Tema) | 100 km/h |
| Rural roads | 80 km/h |
Alcohol & Blood Alcohol Limits (Drink Driving)
Under the new Road Traffic Amendment Act, 2025 (Act 1153), the legal BAC limits have been revised. The previous limit was 0.08%.
| Driver Type | New Legal BAC Limit |
|---|---|
| Private drivers | 0.05% |
| Commercial drivers (bus, taxi, trotro) | 0.02% |
Seatbelt & Child Safety Laws
- Seatbelts are mandatory for all front and rear seat passengers.
- Children under 12 years are prohibited from sitting in the front seat. This is a key provision of Act 1153.
- Child Restraint Systems (CRS) are now mandatory for children up to age 12.
Mobile Phone Use
The use of a handheld mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited. Only hands-free devices are permitted.
Driver Rest Periods
Drivers are mandated to take a rest period of at least 30 minutes after every four hours of continuous driving to prevent fatigue.
Motor Vehicle Insurance (Mandatory & Verification)
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory under the Insurance Act, 2021 (Act 1061).
| Insurance Type | Coverage | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|
| Third-Party Liability | Covers damage to another person’s property or injuries to a third party | Mandatory (legal minimum) |
| Comprehensive | Covers damage to your own vehicle + third-party liabilities | Optional but recommended for expats and car owners |
Verify your insurance instantly: Dial *920*57# on any mobile phone to confirm your insurer and policy expiry date.
Road Signs, Right-of-Way & Which Side to Drive On
Which side of the road does Ghana drive on? Under the Right-Hand Traffic Act, 1973 (NRCD 212), Ghana operates a right-hand traffic system. This means:
- All vehicles are driven on the right side of the road.
- Overtaking is done on the left. You must return to the right lane after completing the overtaking maneuver.
- At intersections without signs or traffic lights, you must give way to vehicles approaching from your right.
Road signs follow international standards: warning signs (triangular), regulatory signs (rectangular), and informational signs (blue or green). Drivers must yield to pedestrians at marked zebra crossings. Running a red light or speeding through an amber light is a direct traffic violation.
Revised Highway Code: Ghana launched a revised Highway Code in 2023, replacing the older 1974 edition. It covers modern road signs, defensive driving, pedestrian safety, and updated road safety principles.
Penalties & Traffic Fines (2026)
Fines are issued by the Motor Traffic and Transport Division (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service. Non-payment can lead to arrest warrants and license suspension.
DVLA Roadside Fines
Many common infractions carry a flat fine of GH₵ 225. These include:
- Expired driver’s license
- Driving without a license
- Faulty seatbelt or worn-out tires
- Smoky exhaust emissions or defaced number plates
Speeding: Minimum fine of GH₵ 240.
Automated Enforcement (TraffiTech-GH) – Pending Approval
TraffiTech-GH is a proposed automated traffic enforcement system that uses cameras and digital monitoring to detect speeding and red-light violations. As of March 2026, the enabling legislation for the system had been laid before Parliament but had not yet been passed. While some cameras have been installed at hazardous junctions, the system is not yet fully operational, and its ultimate implementation depends on the passage of the Road Safety Regulations Bill.
Foreigner & Expat Driving Rules (License Conversion)
Ghanaian law differentiates between short-term visitors and long-term residents.
| Length of Stay | Legal Driving Authority |
|---|---|
| Short-Term Visitors (Up to 90 Days) | Valid foreign driver’s license + International Driving Permit (IDP). |
| Long-Term Residents (Beyond 90 Days) | Must convert their foreign license to a Ghanaian one. |
Note: The 90-day rule is the established guideline for short-term visitors. However, as with all legal matters, it is best practice to confirm specific requirements directly with the DVLA, as enforcement can vary.
Foreign license conversion process: This typically involves acquiring a Non-Citizen Ghana Card, authenticating your foreign license through your embassy, and passing DVLA tests.
If you need personalized legal assistance with traffic fines, licensing, or a serious driving-related legal matter, consider reaching out to a qualified Ghanaian lawyer.
Vehicle Import, Registration & RFID Plates
All vehicles must be registered with the DVLA. The process involves clearing customs, paying duties, and passing a roadworthiness inspection.
The DVLA had planned to introduce new RFID digital license plates, but the rollout was suspended in early 2026 pending legal clearance on enabling regulations. Existing plates remain valid for now.
2025-2026 Driving Law Changes (Summary)
- Road Traffic Amendment Act, 2025 (Act 1153) passed. It lowers BAC limits, mandates child restraints, and legalizes commercial motorcycles.
- Revised Highway Code launched in 2023 to modernize road safety guidelines.
- Automated enforcement (TraffiTech-GH) is pending full approval. Cameras are installed but the system is not yet active.
Mandatory On-Board Documents
You must carry the following at all times while driving:
- Valid driver’s license (Ghanaian, or foreign + IDP within 90 days)
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Valid insurance certificate (verifiable via
*920*57#) - Roadworthiness certificate
- For commercial drivers: driver’s badge and work roster
Motorcycle & “Okada” Rules
Act 1153 includes provisions to legalize and regulate the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles (popularly known as “Okada”). The proposed regulations, pending final implementation, include:
- Riders will need to meet stringent requirements, including holding a commercial rider’s license from the DVLA.
- Riders must be at least 25 years old and pass mandatory training and proficiency tests.
- Both rider and passenger must wear approved, certified protective helmets.
Get the full guide: 543 Business Ideas to Start in Ghana
Sources
- Parliament of Ghana: Parliament Passes Road Traffic Bill (December 2025)
- Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Act 1153) – Parliament of Ghana
- Ministry of Transport: Ghana Launches Revised Highway Code (2023)
- Ministry of Transport: Minister for Transport Visits Traffitech-GH (March 2026)
- Public Services Commission: Ghana to expand digital traffic enforcement with Traffitech project (March 2026)
- CitiNewsroom: Explainer – How to get a driver’s license in Ghana in 2026 (April 2026)
- Graphic Online: Law passed, lives at stake – Making Ghana’s revised BAC law work (March 2026)
- GhanaWeb: What the new road traffic law says about child safety in vehicles (April 2026)
- YEN.com.gh: DVLA provides detailed breakdown of fees and charges for 2026 (February 2026)
- Right-Hand Traffic Act, 1973 (NRCD 212) – Laws of Ghana
- GBC Ghana Online: Ghana’s Motor Insurance now digitized (2020 – code still active)
