Traffitech-GH: Vehicle Owners Remain Liable Even When Someone Else Was Driving

Ghana’s new automated traffic enforcement system, Traffitech-GH, has introduced a rule that could become one of the system’s most debated aspects: the registered owner of a vehicle remains legally responsible for traffic offences committed with the vehicle, regardless of who was behind the wheel.

According to the Ghana Police Service’s Traffitech-GH guidance, an Electronic Notice of Violation (ENV) generated by an automated camera is sent to the vehicle owner’s registered phone number.

The system is designed to use cameras, sensors and speed-measurement devices to automatically capture offences including speeding and running red lights. The evidence is then transmitted to a back office where the Ghana Police Service reviews the alleged offence before an ENV is issued by SMS.

The brochure makes clear that the registered owner remains liable for the offence even when another person was driving the vehicle at the time.

This means vehicle owners could receive an ENV for an offence they personally did not commit behind the wheel. The document states that the registered owner remains responsible regardless of who was driving.

The issue becomes particularly important for vehicles used by family members, employees, company drivers, commercial operators and other third parties.

The Police guidance also warns that motorists who have sold a vehicle but failed to officially update the ownership details with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) could continue to face liability for offences committed with the vehicle.

The brochure states that a former owner remains legally responsible for violations committed with a vehicle registered in their name until the updated ownership status and telephone number are recorded with the DVLA.

For stolen vehicles, owners are advised to report the theft immediately to the Police. Where a vehicle or licence plates were stolen before an alleged offence, the owner can contest the violation if they have a written police report showing that the theft occurred before the offence.

The system nevertheless provides a mechanism for challenging an alleged offence. A motorist who disputes an ENV must begin the contest process online within 14 days of its issuance.

The person must provide the ticket number, select a preferred MTTD regional police station and attend the scheduled hearing with the ENV reference number and valid identification.

The controversy surrounding the rule is likely to centre on the question of whether responsibility should follow the vehicle or the person who actually committed the offence.

Traffitech-GH, however, places the legal responsibility on the registered vehicle owner under the framework outlined in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519).

The Police say the broader objective is to improve compliance with road traffic laws and reduce crashes, deaths and injuries.