DVLA unveils list of banned number plates for drivers with hundreds of combinations prohibited - 'Comply!'

The next set of new number plates will change from September 1, with the DVLA issuing its ban every year.

Ahead of the new plates, the DVLA has revealed a total of 436 specific character combinations which have been banned due to being offensive, provocative or otherwise unsuitable for release.

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In September 2024, a total of 210 specific character combinations were banned ahead of the "25" registrations, which came out in March, with the new list now bringing the total banned combinations to 646.

Experts also stated that the DVLA has banned plates containing "wildcard" characters, which could be read as something offensive, such as **75 HAG.

As an example of the combinations appearing in this latest list, AU75 WTS and AU75 WTZ appear to reference the infamous Auschwitz complex in Poland.

Other banned combinations include LE75 KLL ("Let's kill") and LE75 LSD ("Let's LSD"), which can both be construed as encouraging criminality.

Meanwhile, the DVLA has banned references to political issues such as Brexit and EU membership with plates like EU75 OUT, EU75 SHT, EU75 WAR, EU75 YES not allowed due to being potentially offensive.

Mark Trimbee, CEO of Regtransfers said: "These bans ensure that number plates on the road aren’t those that could be translated into something offensive, inflammatory, insulting, obscene or otherwise problematic.

"As always, some inclusions - such as BA75 SHT or KN75 VES - jump off the page, and it’s quite obvious why the DVLA would want to avoid them being on the roads.

"There are almost always some, however, that might take a bit of deciphering, but the DVLA has to err on the side of caution with matters like this."

While the banned plates hope to stop drivers from getting in trouble for breaking the rules, motorists can still face £1,000 for failing to meet certain standards.

To be compliant with UK rules, drivers must ensure they do not use non-coloured plates that aren't white at the front and yellow at the rear, which can be illegal.

Using incorrect font or spacing is also against regulations, with vehicles required to have all characters in Charles Wright font, with specific measurements for height, width, thickness and spacing.

Vehicles with non-compliant plates can automatically fail their MOT tests as well as invalidate their car insurance coverage.

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Nyo Logan, Tyre Content Manager at Blackcircles shared: "If you are worried about your number plate legality, you can have it checked by a trusted number plate supplier or the DVLA.

"If it doesn't comply with regulations, replace it immediately to avoid potential fines or legal action."