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The Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Asante-Apeatu, has ordered police personnel to desist from arresting motorists using trade plates after 6pm.

According to a statement issued on his behalf by ACP DAvid Eklu, the Director General in-charge of the Public affairs Department, the attention of the police administration was drawn to the misunderstanding between some police personnel and motorists using the Defective Vehicle (DV) and Direct from Port (DP) number plates between 6am and 6pm, and therefore sought an interpretation from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

It therefore came to light that there is no provision in the Road Traffic Act and the Road Traffic Regulation that places restrictions on the use of trade plates in respect of time.

“Sections 45-50 of the Road Traffic Act 683/04, as well as regulations 23&24 of the Road Traffic Regulation 2012 (L.I 2180), are clear on the use of DV and DP number plates” adding that with immediate effect no personnel should arrest any motorist with trade licence plates with regard to time of movement.

He warned commanders and personnel to desist from the act since it’s unlawful.

“Any arrest made with regard to time of movement of trade licence plates by personnel is unlawful. Commanders must bring this to the notice of all personnel for strict compliance.”

The IGP indicated that any officer, who flouts the directive, would be sanctioned.

The IGP said per the act, motorists using the trade plate must fixed them in front and at the back of their vehicles and must enter their movements in the provided log book.

They must not also use such vehicles for social events such as weddings, funerals and others.

“The definition of misuse of the trade licences includes a situation whereby a person who holds a trade licence or trade licences uses a greater number of motor vehicles than he or she is authorized to use.”