DVLA unveils list of banned number plates ahead of new changes rolling out within weeks
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The DVLA has warned drivers that a new batch of number plates will be banned within weeks as it cracks down on controversial messages.
With the new "74" plate set to be rolled out onto forecourts on September 1, the DVLA is warning drivers of a list of new number plates that will not be seen on cars.
Two new registration plate identifiers are used every year in March and September. This year has already seen the introduction of the "24" plate, with "74" set to launch at the start of next month.
While new cars will receive the "74" identifier, the DVLA has clarified that many number plates will never see the road for various reasons including crime, racism, politics or religion.
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New number plate changes will be launched on September 1
GETTYThe registration plate combinations are generally seen to be too rude for the road, insulting, inappropriate or could cause offence or embarrassment.
With the rollout of "74", the DVLA is concerned that the "4" looks like an "A" meaning some combinations like "FA74 NNY" and "SH74 TDD" will never be allowed.
Other potential banned number plates include ones relating to ongoing wars like "EU74 WAR", "FK74 RUS" and "*H74 MAS".
Carwow has also pointed out that people who are not keen on emissions-based charging schemes like Clean Air Zones and London's Ulez could also miss out on expressing their opinions.
Statement registration plates like "NO74 LEZ" are banned, as are more childish plates including "74 RTS" and "AB74 STD".
The DVLA also allows motorists to buy their own personalised number plates through online auction events, with the most recent taking place in the last week of July.
A total of 2,000 number plates were up for grabs, with starting prices ranging from as little as £70 or as much as £2,500.
One driver was able to come away with the plate "911 FUN", which had a starting price of just £1,200 but sold for £42,010 - the most expensive sale of the week.
Other notable sales included "375 L" (£26,010), "89 OO" (£22,000), "OO07 OOO" (£21,010) and "2000 O" (£21,000).
The next online auction will run from Wednesday, September 4, until Tuesday, September 10, with a further 2,000 plates on sale, headlined by "951 A", "1812 A" and "1990 L".
October 2023 saw the final in-person number plate auction held by the DVLA at Stratford Manor, with former Roads Minister Richard Holden attending.
The DVLA has also issued a ban notice for a number of the plates using an asterisk (*) which denotes that the use of any character in that position is not prohibited.
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Drivers can win personalised number plates at DVLA auctions
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