Vehicle Roadworthiness & Maintenance in Ghana
Every vehicle on Ghana's public roads must be roadworthy and safe. A poorly maintained vehicle increases accident risks and violates traffic laws. As a driver, you are legally responsible for ensuring your vehicle remains fit for use at all times.
⚠️ Legal Offence: Driving an unroadworthy vehicle is a traffic offence that attracts penalties including fines, vehicle impoundment, and court action.
What Vehicle Roadworthiness Means
A roadworthy vehicle is one that:
🔧 Mechanically Sound
All systems function properly
🛡️ Meets Safety Standards
Complies with Ghana's regulations
🚫 No Danger to Others
Does not pose risk to other road users
✅ Passed Official Inspection
Holds valid roadworthiness certificates
Roadworthiness is both a legal requirement and a safety responsibility. Vehicles that fail to meet these criteria must be repaired before returning to public roads.
Pre-Drive Vehicle Checklist
Use this comprehensive checklist before every journey to ensure vehicle safety:
Brakes
Tyres & Pressure
Lights & Indicators
Mirrors
Horn
Fluids (Oil, Coolant, Brake)
Seat Belts
Windshield & Wipers
Steering & Suspension
Load Secure & Within Limit
Documentation
Battery Condition
💡 Safety First: Completing this checklist reduces accident risk, improves vehicle reliability, and keeps you compliant with Ghana's road safety laws.
Detailed Vehicle Safety Checks
🛑
Brakes
- Must respond without delay
- No unusual sounds or spongy feeling
- Vehicle should not pull to sides
- Check brake fluid level regularly
🚗🔘
Tyres
- Proper inflation (check manual)
- Good tread depth (minimum 1.6mm)
- No cuts, bulges, or cracks
- Check valve condition
💡
Lights & Signals
- Headlights (high/low beam)
- Brake lights and indicators
- Reverse lights
- Number plate light
👁️
Mirrors
- Properly adjusted before driving
- Clean and undamaged
- Provide proper field of view
📢
Horn
- Must work properly
- Not excessively loud
- Use only when necessary
🔋
Fluids & Battery
- Engine oil level
- Brake fluid level
- Coolant level
- Windshield washer fluid
- Clean battery terminals
Vehicle Maintenance Responsibilities
As a driver or vehicle owner, you must:
- Service vehicles regularly (every 6-12 months)
- Repair faults promptly—don't wait for them to worsen
- Use genuine or approved spare parts
- Keep maintenance records to track work done
- Avoid using defective parts
- Replace worn components before they fail
⚠️ Important: A good maintenance routine prevents breakdowns, reduces long-term repair costs, and increases vehicle reliability. Neglecting maintenance can lead to mechanical failure and accidents.
Roadworthiness Certificate Requirements
📄 Roadworthiness Certificate:
- Issued after vehicle inspection at DVLA testing centre
- Valid for 12 months for private vehicles
- Valid for 6 months for commercial vehicles
- Must be renewed before expiry
- Police and DVLA officers check during roadside inspections
🚫 Illegal Activity: Driving without a valid certificate is illegal and may lead to fines, vehicle impoundment, or court action.
Overloading and Vehicle Safety
Exceeding load capacity is dangerous and illegal. Overloading:
🛑 Affects Braking
Increases stopping distance significantly
🎯 Reduces Control
Impairs steering and vehicle handling
💥 Tyre Failure Risk
Increases risk of blowouts and accidents
🛣️ Damages Infrastructure
Accelerates road deterioration
Always follow manufacturer's load limits to maintain safety and legal compliance. Passenger limits are specified for a reason—exceeding them endangers lives.
Warning Signs of an Unroadworthy Vehicle
Do not drive if you notice any of these issues:
🛑
Brake failure or reduced braking power
🚗🔘
Tyre cuts, bulges, or dangerously low tread
🎯
Steering problems or excessive play
🛢️
Oil or fuel leaks under vehicle
💡
Faulty lights or broken indicators
📢
Horn not working or excessively loud
🔊
Unusual engine or suspension noises
Legal Consequences of Unroadworthy Vehicles
Using an unroadworthy vehicle may result in:
💰
On-the-Spot Fines
Immediate penalty payments up to GHS 3,000
🚗🔒
Vehicle Impoundment
Vehicle seized by police with daily storage fees
⚖️
Court Action
Legal proceedings and criminal record
🔒
Licence Suspension
Driving licence suspended for 6-12 months
Additional Consequences:
- Increased insurance premiums after offence recorded
- Difficulty renewing vehicle documents with pending offences
- Commercial drivers may lose professional driving permit
- Vehicle could be auctioned if not claimed within specified period
Summary (Quick Revision)
🚗 Vehicle must be mechanically sound and meet safety standards
🔧 Regular maintenance is the driver's legal responsibility
📄 Roadworthiness certificate mandatory (private: 12 months, commercial: 6 months)
🛑 Check brakes, tyres, lights, mirrors, horn, fluids before driving
🚫 Overloading is illegal—affects braking, steering, and tyre safety
⚖️ Legal consequences include fines, impoundment, court action, licence suspension
📋 Use pre-drive checklist for comprehensive safety check
🔍 Watch for warning signs—don't drive defective vehicles
📅 Service vehicles every 6-12 months and keep maintenance records
🛡️ Roadworthiness protects you, passengers, and other road users
