The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has clarified the new traffic regulation policies governing the use and verification of drivers’ licences during routine checks.
The Head of Research, Education and Training at the MTTD, Alexander Kwaku Obeng, explained that drivers are not required to hand over their original driver’s licences to police officers during routine traffic checks.
According to him, the new regulations do not give police officers the authority to demand that motorists surrender their original licences simply for the purpose of routine inspection.
Mr. Obeng made the clarification in a video posted on TikTok on August 7, 2026, as part of efforts to educate motorists on their rights and responsibilities under the revised traffic regulations.
He stressed that motorists should be properly informed about the procedures governing traffic enforcement to avoid unnecessary disputes between drivers and law enforcement officers.
He explained that while police officers have the mandate to conduct checks and verify the validity of a driver’s licence, such verification does not necessarily require the physical surrender of the original document.
The clarification is expected to help motorists better understand the distinction between licence verification and the seizure or collection of an original driver’s licence during routine checks.
Mr. Obeng therefore urged drivers to acquaint themselves with the new regulations and cooperate with police officers during lawful traffic enforcement operations while also knowing their rights.
He said motorists should not be compelled to hand over their original licences when there is no lawful basis for doing so.
The MTTD’s clarification comes at a time when the enforcement of traffic regulations remains a major concern, particularly as the authorities intensify efforts to promote road safety and responsible driving.
The department has consistently urged motorists to carry valid driving documents and comply with lawful instructions from traffic officers.
However, Mr. Obeng’s latest clarification provides an important reminder that enforcement must also be carried out in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures.
The MTTD has, therefore, encouraged motorists to remain calm and cooperative during traffic checks while seeking proper clarification whenever they are uncertain about an enforcement procedure.
The clarification is also expected to reduce confusion and misinformation surrounding the implementation of the new driver’s licence regulations.
Motorists are consequently being advised to familiarise themselves with the latest traffic rules and rely on official information from the Ghana Police Service and the MTTD rather than unverified claims circulating on social media.
Drivers are not required to surrender their original licences to police officers during routine checks, according to MTTD Head of Research, Education and Training, Alexander Kwaku Obeng.
The clarification is intended to promote a better understanding of the new traffic regulations while ensuring that both motorists and law enforcement officers carry out their respective responsibilities within the law.
