AMA clarifies commercial driver's licence requirements as confusion persists among yellow-plate operators

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has issued fresh guidance to commercial transport operators, clarifying that drivers of yellow-plated vehicles must obtain individual commercial driver's licence cards from the Assembly—a requirement separate from vehicle stickers and national driving permits that has caused widespread confusion in the sector.

Under the AMA (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) By-laws 2017, any driver operating a commercially registered vehicle is required to carry a personal commercial driver's licence issued by the Assembly, in addition to their standard driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority. The new card, which costs GH¢60 for first-time applicants and GH¢23 annually for renewal, must be physically carried while engaged in commercial transport work.

According to Gilbert Nii Ankrah, Head of Public Affairs at AMA, the persistent misunderstanding between drivers and enforcement officers has created compliance headaches. Many motorists mistakenly believe that displaying an approved vehicle sticker on their windscreen automatically satisfies all licensing requirements, a misconception the Assembly is now working to dispel.

Understanding the three-tier system

The licensing framework actually comprises three separate components that drivers and vehicle owners often conflate. First, there is the standard national driving licence issued by the DVLA, which all drivers must possess regardless of vehicle type. Second, the AMA commercial driver's licence is a personal card specific to commercial operations within Accra's metropolitan area. Third, the vehicle sticker—displayed on the windscreen—is linked to permit requirements for certain commercial activities but does not replace either of the first two licences.

Crucially, the commercial driver's licence belongs to the individual driver, not the vehicle. This means that if a driver changes jobs or stops conducting commercial transport, they are no longer required to maintain the card, though it must be renewed annually if commercial activities continue.

The Assembly has also clarified that even vehicles with standard white registration plates may need to obtain stickers and potentially comply with commercial licensing if they are used to transport goods or provide services covered by the Assembly's permit arrangements. This distinction matters for operators who use private-plated vehicles for commercial purposes.

Enforcement and compliance: what it means for drivers

The AMA's transport enforcement task force and authorised officers have been empowered to inspect both commercial driver's licences and vehicle stickers during routine checks. Non-compliance can result in penalties, making it essential for operators to understand and meet all three requirements before hitting the road.

The Assembly's message reflects a broader push to standardise compliance across Accra's commercial transport sector. By clearly separating the requirements—personal licence, national permit, and vehicle sticker—the AMA hopes to reduce the number of operators inadvertently breaking regulations and facing enforcement action during roadside checks.

Drivers are advised to obtain their commercial licence cards in person from the AMA office, renew them before expiry, and keep them accessible at all times during commercial operations. The Assembly has pledged to improve public education on the requirements whilst maintaining consistent enforcement to ensure a level playing field for all commercial operators in the metropolis.