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.

🚛 What are Commercial Vehicles?

Vehicles used to transport passengers or goods for money.

🚖 Passenger Vehicles

  • Taxis (must be yellow with "TAXI" sign)
  • Trotros (public minibuses)
  • Buses and coaches
  • School transport (special markings)

🚚 Goods Vehicles

  • Delivery vans and trucks
  • Heavy trucks and tankers
  • Trailers and container carriers
  • Articulated vehicles
📄 Special License & Documents Required
🚗
Commercial Driver's License
Class B (Saloon Cars/Taxis/Ride-Hailing): This is the standard license for private saloon cars. To legally use these vehicles as taxis, for Uber/Bolt, or for any ride-hailing service in Ghana, you must obtain a separate commercial driver's license or permit from the DVLA. The vehicle itself also must be registered and inspected for commercial use.
Class C: Commercial license for passenger vehicles (minibuses/trotros, large taxis, small buses).
Class D: Commercial license for heavy goods vehicles (large trucks).
Class E: Commercial license for articulated vehicles (tractor-trailers).
📋
Route Permit
Passenger vehicles need permission for specific routes
🏢
Operator's License
Transport companies need business license
🌍
ECOWAS Brown Card
Required for international trips in West Africa

⚠️ Always Carry With You:

  • Original commercial driver's license
  • Valid roadworthy certificate
  • Vehicle insurance certificate
  • Vehicle registration
⚖️
Important: Driving a commercial vehicle with a regular license is illegal and carries heavy penalties.
🚦 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.
👥 Passenger Vehicle Rules

👥 Passenger Limits

  • Never exceed marked capacity
  • No standing passengers in moving vehicles
  • All passengers must use seat belts
  • Display maximum capacity clearly

🛑 Where to Stop

  • Stop only at approved bus stops/lorry stations
  • Never stop on highways
  • Use designated loading bays only
  • Don't block pedestrian crossings

Driver's Responsibility:

As a commercial driver, you are responsible for your passengers' safety. Make sure everyone follows safety rules.

📦 Loading Goods Safely

⚖️ Loading Rules

  • Maximum weight: Don't overload
  • Maximum dimensions:
    Height: 4.5m
    Width: 2.55m
    Length: 18m
  • Secure all loads with ropes/straps
  • Cover loose materials

🚨 Special Requirements

  • Police escort for wide loads (>2.55m)
  • Special signaling for long loads
  • Regular weight checks at weighbridges
  • Loads must not block driver's view
💰
Overloading: Overloaded vehicles must offload excess goods and pay fines before continuing.
🔧 Vehicle Safety & Maintenance

⚠️ Required Safety Equipment

  • 2 warning triangles
  • First aid kit (with DVLA sticker)
  • Fire extinguisher (recharge every 6 months)
  • Spare tire in good condition
  • Reflectors front & back

📅 Stricter Maintenance

  • More frequent roadworthy checks
  • Daily pre-trip checks required
  • Keep maintenance records
  • No driving faulty vehicles
⏰
Driving Hours
Maximum 4 hours driving without a break. Take 30-minute breaks every 4 hours.
🔍
Daily Checks
Check tires, brakes, lights, oil, and load before every trip.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Dangerous Actions

  • Drinking and driving
  • Using phone while driving
  • Driving when tired
  • Speeding

⚠️ Commercial-Specific Violations

  • Carrying too many passengers
  • Overloading goods
  • Driving without commercial license
  • Stopping in unauthorized places
⚖️
Consequences: Breaking commercial vehicle rules can lead to heavy fines, license suspension, or vehicle seizure.
📋 Quick Summary
✅
Get proper commercial driver's license (Class B for saloon cars/taxis requires additional DVLA commercial permit)
✅
Follow commercial speed limits: 75km/h loaded, 80km/h empty
✅
Never exceed passenger or weight limits
✅
Keep vehicle roadworthy with all safety equipment
✅
Take breaks every 4 hours of driving
✅
Stop only at approved locations
✅
Secure loads properly and check dimensions

Key Responsibility:

Commercial driving has more responsibility. You're responsible for passengers' safety, goods security, and other road users' safety.

Emergency Contacts: Police: 18555 | Accident Emergency: 192

Lesson 15 of 31 • Commercial Vehicle Rules

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