The Central East Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) has arrested 13 drivers for the unauthorised use of sirens and emergency lights during a special enforcement exercise conducted along the Kasoa-Winneba Highway.

The operation, which took place at Budumburam on May 30, 2026, forms part of ongoing efforts to enforce road traffic regulations and promote discipline among motorists.

Offenders educated

During the exercise, the drivers were found using sirens and emergency lamps without the required authorisation. The MTTD Task Force subsequently educated the offenders on Regulations 65 and 74 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), before processing them in accordance with the law.

The arrests come months after the Ghana Police Service, in December 2025, warned the public against the unauthorised installation and use of sirens and strobe lights by persons not authorised by law.

The Police noted that it had observed a worrying increase in the unauthorised installation and use of sirens, strobe lights and other emergency warning devices on vehicles operated by individuals and institutions not permitted by law.

According to the Police, such conduct endangers public safety, causes unnecessary panic on the roads and contributes significantly to traffic indiscipline across the country.

“In line with Regulation 74 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), the use of sirens, horns, bells, or strobe lights as warning appliances is restricted to specific categories of vehicles.”

The Police stated that the approved categories include Government vehicles used for official purposes by the Head of State, Police vehicles, Fire Service vehicles, ambulances operated by hospitals or clinics, vehicles used by other recognised Government security agencies, and registered bullion vehicles.

“Any individual or institution that does not fall within these categories is prohibited from using such devices,” the Police stressed.

The Ghana Police Service further urged all persons who have unlawfully installed such warning appliances on their vehicles to remove them voluntarily, cautioning that those who fail to comply will be arrested and prosecuted.