Rules for Commercial Vehicles in Ghana

Commercial Vehicle Rules

Special Rules for Business Driving

Commercial vehicles have special rules to ensure safety. Learn what makes them different from personal vehicles.

📄 Ghana DVLA License Types

In Ghana, different types of vehicles require different license classes. Here are the official DVLA license categories:

TYPE A
Motorcycles & Cruisers
For motorcycles, scooters, and off-road bikes without gearboxes. Motor size can be 250cc or greater. This is for riders only.
TYPE B
Sedans, Minibuses & Pickups
For sedans, minibuses, sprinter buses (trotros), cross-country vehicles, and pickup trucks. Maximum gross weight: 5,000kg. Maximum passengers: 15.
TYPE C
Medium Passenger Vehicles
For vehicles carrying 16-45 passengers. Maximum weight: 10,000kg. Required for most large commercial passenger vehicles.
TYPE D
Large Buses & Coaches
For buses, coaches, and heavy freight vehicles. Can carry up to 65 passengers. Maximum weight: 350,000kg. Used by VVIP and Intercity STC buses.
TYPE E
Heavy Machinery
For heavy machinery like construction equipment, graders, loaders, rollers, forklifts, harvesters, and agricultural vehicles.
TYPE F
Trailers & Heavy Trucks
For vehicles over 35,000kg. Includes stretch buses, semi-trailer trucks, and other heavy articulated vehicles.
⚖️
Important: Driving a commercial vehicle with the wrong license type is illegal. Always check which license type your vehicle requires.
📋 Commercial Vehicle Requirements
🚗
Commercial Driver's License
You must have the correct license type for your vehicle category. Type B is the minimum for most commercial passenger vehicles.
🏢
Operator's License
Transport companies must have a valid operator's license to conduct business.
🌍
ECOWAS Brown Card
Required for commercial vehicles making international trips within West Africa.

⚠️ Always Carry With You:

  • Original commercial driver's license
  • Valid roadworthy certificate
  • Vehicle insurance certificate
  • Vehicle registration documents
🚦 Commercial Speed Limits

Commercial vehicles have different speed limits than personal cars:

75
km/h MAX
Loaded commercial vehicles
80
km/h MAX
Empty commercial vehicles
50
km/h MAX
Towns & cities
30
km/h MAX
Near schools & hospitals
👁️
These are MAXIMUM limits. Always drive slower in bad weather, heavy traffic, or poor road conditions. Larger vehicles need more stopping distance.
👥 Passenger Vehicle Rules

👥 Passenger Limits

  • Never exceed the marked capacity
  • No standing passengers in moving vehicles
  • All passengers must use seat belts where available
  • Display maximum capacity clearly inside the vehicle
  • Type B: Max 15 passengers
  • Type C: 16-45 passengers
  • Type D: Up to 65 passengers

🛑 Where to Stop

  • Stop only at approved bus stops/lorry stations
  • Never stop on highways or expressways
  • Use designated loading bays only
  • Don't block pedestrian crossings or intersections
  • Taxis must use designated taxi ranks

Driver's Responsibility:

As a commercial driver, you are legally responsible for your passengers' safety. This includes ensuring all passengers follow safety rules and that the vehicle is properly maintained.

📦 Loading Goods Safely

⚖️ Loading Rules

  • Never exceed maximum weight limits
  • Maximum dimensions:
    Height: 4.5m
    Width: 2.55m
    Length: 18m
  • Secure all loads with ropes/straps/chains
  • Cover loose materials to prevent spillage
  • Loads must not block driver's view

🚨 Special Requirements

  • Police escort required for wide loads (>2.55m)
  • Special signaling for long/oversized loads
  • Regular weight checks at weighbridges
  • Type F license required for trailers over 35,000kg
  • Hazardous materials require special permits
💰
Overloading Consequences: Overloaded vehicles must offload excess goods immediately. Drivers face heavy fines, and the vehicle may be impounded until fines are paid.
🔧 Vehicle Safety & Maintenance

⚠️ Required Safety Equipment

  • 2 warning triangles (front and back)
  • First aid kit (with valid DVLA sticker)
  • Fire extinguisher (must be recharged every 6 months)
  • Spare tire in good condition
  • Reflectors on front, sides, and back
  • Emergency hammer for buses

📅 Stricter Maintenance

  • More frequent roadworthy inspections
  • Daily pre-trip checks are mandatory
  • Keep detailed maintenance records
  • Immediate repair of any faults
  • Quarterly safety inspections for Type C-F vehicles
⏰
Driving Hours Limit
Maximum 4 hours continuous driving without a break. Mandatory 30-minute break required after every 4 hours. Maximum 10 hours driving per day.
🔍
Daily Pre-Trip Checklist
Check tires, brakes, lights, oil, fuel, water, and load security before every trip. Document checks in the vehicle logbook.
📋 Quick Summary
✅
Get the correct DVLA license type (A-F) for your vehicle category
✅
Follow commercial speed limits: 75km/h loaded, 80km/h empty
✅
Never exceed passenger or weight limits for your license type
✅
Keep vehicle roadworthy with all required safety equipment
✅
Take mandatory breaks every 4 hours of driving
✅
Stop only at approved commercial vehicle locations
✅
Secure loads properly and check dimensions before travel
✅
Carry all required documents (license, insurance, roadworthy, permits)

Key Responsibility:

Commercial driving carries greater responsibility. You're accountable for passengers' safety, goods security, and the safety of all other road users. Commercial vehicles cause more damage in accidents, so extra caution is essential.

Emergency Contacts: Police: 18555 | Ambulance/Fire: 192 | DVLA Hotline: 0302 683 396

📝 Take Test on This Topic
Lesson 17 of 31 • Commercial Vehicle Rules

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