DVLA issues 'highly sought after' number plate update just days after new changes were launched

The auction, which started on Wednesday, September 4, is selling personalised number plates with prices starting as low as £70 or as much as £2,500.

So far, the number plate "5 RUM" is the most popular lot, with the current bid sitting at £11,610, despite starting at just £1,200.

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The "dateless" registrations, like "5 RUM", can be assigned to any suitable vehicle of any age, further increasing their value to motorists.

The second most popular plate - "112 P" - had a higher starting price at £2,500 but has already surpassed the £10,000 bid mark. Drivers have until 2.40pm on September 10 to get their bids in.

This comes just days after the DVLA launched the new "74" number plate on September 1, which carries on a tradition of introducing two new identifiers every year.

Vehicle forecourts and dealerships previously saw cars with the "24" identifier in March, with the tradition stemming from a law change in 2001 which changed the outlay of number plates.

Jody Davies, head of DVLA Personalised Registrations, urged drivers to look at the different number plates being sold at auction which they could suit their vehicles.

She said: "Registrations with the number 1 included are always highly sought after, so we’re looking forward to making these numbers available at the next auction.

"All registrations have been carefully selected by DVLA, and there’s something for everyone with a wide selection of names and initials, along with dateless, vehicle-related, general interest and fun registrations on offer."

Other popular number plates on auction include "911 OP", "LO74 TUS", "DA24 DDY" and "SP11 ARK", while drivers could get their hands on a shorter number plate like "1 LVG", "1 NVR" and "1 XDD".

The DVLA highlights how drivers can be slapped with a maximum fine of £1,000 and the registration can be withdrawn without compensation if a driver alters, re-arranges or misrepresents a registration.

Similarly, a fine can be issued worth £1,000 if someone travels with incorrectly displayed number plates. They will also fail their MOT test.

The DVLA changed the format of the personalised number plate auctions last October at its final in-person auction at Stratford Manor.

Speaking ahead of the final in-person number plate auction, former Roads Minister Richard Holden praised the money raised by the DVLA through the sales.

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He said: "Picking your own personalised registration is a great way to add a personal touch to your vehicle, and the DVLA auction is a fantastic opportunity to find exactly what you’re looking for.

"With DVLA raising almost £15million in the past three auctions, I’m particularly excited to be on the podium for the last ever in-person auction to seal some of the bids and see people take home their perfect registration."

The DVLA personalised number plate timed auction will run until Tuesday, September 10 on the DVLA Auction website.