TraffiTech Ghana Scam Warning: How to Verify a Real Traffic Fine Before You Pay

Ghana’s new automated traffic-enforcement system, TraffiTech-GH, is now fully operational, but motorists are already being targeted by scammers pretending to issue legitimate traffic fines.

The Cyber Security Authority says fraudulent SMS messages and fake payment websites have appeared since the system went live. Some of the fake messages contain convincing-looking ticket information and direct motorists to cloned websites designed to steal debit-card or credit-card details.

The Ghana Police Service says a genuine Electronic Notice of Violation, or ENV, should come from the sender ID GPS-MTTD. A genuine notice should also contain enough information for the motorist to verify the alleged offence, including the vehicle registration number, location, date, time, offence and ticket number.

Most importantly, motorists should not click payment links sent inside suspicious text messages. The Police say legitimate TraffiTech-GH notices do not require payment to a personal mobile money number, police officer or unofficial account.

This guide explains how TraffiTech-GH works, how to recognize a genuine fine, how to review photo or video evidence, where to pay, how to contest an incorrect ticket and what to do if you receive a scam message.

What Is TraffiTech-GH?

TraffiTech-GH is the Ghana Police Service’s automated traffic-law enforcement system. It uses cameras, sensors, mobile enforcement devices and other technology to detect road-traffic offences and issue electronic violation notices.

The system operates through the Motor Traffic and Transport Department, or MTTD. Full implementation officially began on November 1, 2026 after the original October 1 rollout was postponed to allow additional public education.

When a camera or other enforcement device detects an offence, the incident is reviewed before an Electronic Notice of Violation is issued. The registered vehicle owner may then receive an SMS containing the ticket information.

How to Recognize a Real TraffiTech-GH Fine

The most important first check is the SMS sender name. According to the Ghana Police Service, a legitimate automated notice should come from the sender ID:

GPS-MTTD

A real Electronic Notice of Violation should normally include:

• A ticket number.
• The vehicle registration number.
• The location of the alleged offence.
• The date of the alleged offence.
• The time of the alleged offence.
• A description of the offence.
• The amount of the fine.
• The payment deadline.

Motorists should compare every detail with the vehicle and their actual movements before making a payment.

Signs a TraffiTech Message May Be a Scam

The Cyber Security Authority says criminals are using messages that resemble official traffic notifications. Some include realistic ticket or vehicle details and use official-sounding language to pressure motorists into paying quickly.

Warning signs include:

• The message comes from an ordinary mobile number instead of GPS-MTTD.
• The SMS contains a suspicious clickable payment link.
• You are asked to send Mobile Money to a personal number.
• You are asked to transfer money to a private bank account.
• The website address does not match the official TraffiTech payment portal.
• The message asks for card details before you have verified the ticket.
• The vehicle registration number does not match your vehicle.
• The location, date or time of the alleged offence appears impossible.
• You are pressured to pay immediately outside the official system.

The Ghana Police Service is especially clear that an SMS containing an unexpected clickable payment link should be treated as suspicious.

How to Verify a TraffiTech Fine Before Paying

Do not pay simply because you received an SMS. First verify the violation through the official TraffiTech-GH system.

The Police recommend the following process:

1. Confirm that the sender ID is GPS-MTTD.
2. Check the ticket number.
3. Verify the vehicle registration number.
4. Check the location.
5. Check the date and time.
6. Review the offence description.
7. View any available photographic or video evidence.
8. Only then decide whether to pay or contest the violation.

This verification step is important because a scammer may know a person’s phone number or even vehicle details without having a legitimate traffic violation record.

How to View Photo or Video Evidence of a TraffiTech Offence

The official TraffiTech system allows motorists to review evidence before paying. Enter the ticket number on the official payment portal and open the offence details.

From there, select the option to view photo, video or other violation data. The evidence should allow you to compare the vehicle, location and circumstances with the notice you received.

This is especially useful for camera-detected offences such as speeding or running a red light.

If you do not have internet access or a smartphone, the Police say you can contact the TraffiTech call centre on 059 692 2402 for assistance.

How to Pay a Real TraffiTech Ghana Fine

The Ghana Police Service currently lists two primary official payment methods.

You can pay through the official TraffiTech payment portal:

https://traffitech-ghpay.nib.com.gh

The portal accepts supported mobile-money services and debit or credit cards. Alternatively, motorists can use the official USSD payment channel:

*710*0#

You will need the ticket number to complete the payment.

You Have 14 Days to Pay or Contest a TraffiTech Fine

Motorists generally have 14 days from the issuance date of an Electronic Notice of Violation to either settle the fine or begin a formal contest.

If you believe the notice is correct, you can pay through an approved channel. If you believe it is incorrect, you should begin the contest procedure before the 14-day period expires.

Waiting beyond the deadline can make the situation more expensive and may prevent you from using the ordinary contest procedure.

What Happens If You Do Not Pay Within 14 Days?

Under the TraffiTech system, an unpaid fine begins attracting an additional 1% penalty for each day of default after the 14-day payment period expires.

This means an unpaid violation can become progressively more expensive the longer it remains outstanding.

Outstanding fines can also eventually interfere with certain DVLA transactions, making it important to deal with legitimate tickets promptly rather than ignoring them.

How to Contest a TraffiTech-GH Fine

If you believe the notice is incorrect, the Police say the contest must begin online within 14 days of the ENV issuance date. You cannot simply wait until the deadline passes and then begin the normal contest process.

The general process is:

1. Review the photo or video evidence.
2. Start the contest procedure through the official TraffiTech system.
3. Select your preferred MTTD regional police station.
4. Wait for an appointment confirmation.
5. Attend with your ticket reference and identification.
6. The case may then be scheduled for court where appropriate.

If you pay the fine, the Police says payment constitutes settlement of the violation. You generally cannot later contest the same ENV after paying it.

What If the Camera Says You Were Speeding but You Disagree?

The Ghana Police says speed-enforcement equipment used under TraffiTech-GH is subject to approval and periodic calibration by the Ghana Standards Authority.

If you still believe the recorded speed is incorrect, you can review the evidence and contest the ticket within the normal 14-day period.

Do not ignore the ticket simply because you disagree with it. Use the formal contest process so the evidence can be challenged.

Why Did I Get a Ticket If Someone Else Was Driving My Car?

For camera-detected violations, the Electronic Notice of Violation is generally sent to the registered owner of the vehicle.

The Ghana Police says the registered owner can remain liable even where another person was driving the vehicle. The system relies heavily on ownership information recorded with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority.

This makes it particularly important to keep DVLA ownership and contact records accurate.

What If You Receive a Fine for a Vehicle You Already Sold?

If a vehicle remains registered in your name after you sell it, TraffiTech notices may continue to be directed to you.

The Police says vehicle owners are expected to notify the DVLA and complete the appropriate ownership transfer. Until the official ownership record is updated, the former owner may remain legally responsible for violations associated with the vehicle.

This makes prompt transfer of vehicle ownership especially important under automated enforcement.

What If the Ticket Is for a Vehicle You Have Never Owned?

If the ENV names a vehicle that you have never owned, contact the TraffiTech call centre or Ghana Police promptly rather than paying the fine.

The Police lists 059 692 2402 as the TraffiTech call-centre number. False reports can themselves attract consequences, so provide accurate information when disputing an ownership mismatch.

Can Unpaid TraffiTech Fines Block DVLA Services?

Yes. According to the Ghana Police Service, outstanding TraffiTech fines can prevent certain transactions at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority.

DVLA may refuse services including:

• Driver’s licence renewal.
• Vehicle transfer.
• Vehicle registration or re-registration.
• Vehicle lay-off transactions.
• Roadworthiness inspection.

Motorists are therefore encouraged to check for outstanding violations before visiting DVLA for major transactions.

How to Check Whether a Vehicle Has Outstanding TraffiTech Fines

The Ghana Police says motorists can check outstanding fines using:

*220#

Follow the prompts and use the relevant vehicle registration or driver’s licence information. This can be useful before buying a used vehicle, completing a transfer or visiting the DVLA.

A buyer should still complete proper DVLA ownership checks rather than relying solely on the fine-checking service.

Fake TraffiTech Websites Can Steal Your Bank Card Details

The Cyber Security Authority says some scammers have created fake payment websites that imitate the official TraffiTech platform.

These sites may request:

• Debit or credit card number.
• Card expiry date.
• CVV security code.
• Personal identity information.
• Mobile Money information.

Submitting that information to a fraudulent website can allow criminals to make unauthorized transactions or use the information for additional fraud.

Instead of trusting a link supplied in a message, manually verify that you are using the official Police-listed payment channel.

Should You Pay a Police Officer Cash for a TraffiTech Fine?

No. The Ghana Police says TraffiTech-GH fines should not be paid directly in cash to a police officer.

If an officer asks you to pay the TraffiTech fine personally, the Police advises motorists not to make the payment and to record relevant information such as the officer’s name, badge number, location, date and time before reporting the incident.

This separates automated enforcement payments from roadside cash transactions and creates an electronic record of payment.

Will You Receive Proof After Paying?

Yes. A payment completed through an official channel should generate a payment confirmation, receipt or reference.

Keep that confirmation until the violation has cleared from the system, particularly if you expect to visit the DVLA or need to prove that the fine was settled.

What Traffic Offences Can TraffiTech-GH Detect?

TraffiTech is not limited to speeding. The Ghana Police says the system can support enforcement involving a range of traffic violations.

Examples include:

• Speeding.
• Running a red light.
• Wrongful overtaking.
• Failure to use a seatbelt.
• Expired roadworthiness certificates.
• Use of an expired driver’s licence.
• Driving an uninsured vehicle.
• Misuse of sirens.

Enforcement can use fixed cameras, mobile or in-vehicle systems, laser speed-measurement equipment and handheld devices used by MTTD officers.

Does TraffiTech Apply Only to Private Cars?

No. Ghana Police says TraffiTech applies broadly to motor vehicles using Ghana’s public roads.

This includes:

• Private cars.
• Motorcycles.
• Tricycles.
• Taxis.
• Trotros.
• Ride-hailing vehicles.
• Commercial buses.
• Haulage trucks.

Foreign-registered vehicles are subject to separate enforcement procedures.

How to Report a Fake TraffiTech Message or Website

If you receive a suspicious TraffiTech message, do not click the link or send money.

The Ghana Police says suspicious messages can be reported through:

• 191 for Police assistance.
• 18555 toll-free.
• 059 692 2402 for the TraffiTech call centre.

The Cyber Security Authority also operates 24-hour cybercrime reporting channels:

• Call or SMS: 292.
• WhatsApp: 050 160 3111.
• Email: report@csa.gov.gh.

If you already entered card information on a suspicious website, contact your bank or card issuer immediately in addition to reporting the incident.

What to Do When a TraffiTech SMS Arrives

The safest response is simple: verify first, pay second.

1. Do not immediately click anything in the message.
2. Check whether the sender ID says GPS-MTTD.
3. Confirm the vehicle registration number.
4. Verify the date, time and location.
5. Review the photo or video evidence.
6. Use only the official payment system.
7. Pay within 14 days if the ticket is valid.
8. Contest it within 14 days if you believe it is wrong.
9. Keep your receipt after payment.
10. Report suspicious messages or fake websites.

TraffiTech Ghana: Frequently Asked Questions

What sender ID does a real TraffiTech message use?

A legitimate automated notice should use the sender ID GPS-MTTD.

Should a real TraffiTech SMS contain a clickable payment link?

The Ghana Police warns that a message containing an unexpected clickable link is likely fraudulent. Verify the ticket independently through official channels.

How can I pay a TraffiTech fine?

The Police currently lists the official TraffiTech payment portal and the USSD code *710*0# as approved payment channels.

How long do I have to pay?

You generally have 14 days after the ENV issuance date to pay or begin a contest.

What happens if I pay late?

A 1% daily late-payment penalty can apply after the initial 14-day period.

Can I contest a fine?

Yes. You must normally begin the contest process online within 14 days of the ENV issuance date.

Can unpaid fines block DVLA services?

Yes. Outstanding violations can prevent certain licence and vehicle transactions until the fines are resolved.

How do I check outstanding fines?

The Police says motorists can dial *220# and follow the prompts.

Bottom Line

TraffiTech-GH became fully operational on November 1, 2026, and scammers are already exploiting the new system by sending fake traffic violation messages and directing motorists to fraudulent payment websites.

A legitimate automated violation notice should come from GPS-MTTD and contain a ticket number, vehicle registration, offence details, location, date, time and payment deadline. Motorists should verify the photo or video evidence before paying.

Real fines should be paid only through official TraffiTech payment channels. Do not send money to personal Mobile Money numbers, private bank accounts or individual officers.

You generally have 14 days to either pay or contest an Electronic Notice of Violation. After that period, a 1% daily late-payment penalty may begin to accrue, and unresolved fines can interfere with certain DVLA services.

The safest rule is straightforward: never pay a TraffiTech fine based solely on an SMS. Verify the vehicle, offence and evidence through the official system first.

Sources

• Ghana Police Service: Official TraffiTech-GH FAQs and payment guidance
• Ghana News Agency: Cyber Security Authority warns about fake TraffiTech messages and websites, November 9, 2026
• Ghana News Agency: Police urge motorists to verify TraffiTech fines before payment, November 6, 2026
• Information Services Department: TraffiTech-GH rollout rescheduled to November 1, 2026