From March 1, the DVLA will unveil a new "26" registration plate, with the change marking the end of the current "75" plate system, which will apply to any car registered between March and the end of August this year.
While the twice-yearly plate update is routine, drivers have been warned about a fresh crackdown on illegal number plates.
Experts warned many motorists may not even realise their plates are not compliant.
One expert said drivers need to be careful, as even small changes can make a plate illegal.
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Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, explained: "Characters must not be removable or reflective; however, your number plates can have 3D (raised) characters, display certain flags, symbols and identifiers and display a green flash if you have a zero emission vehicle."
He also warned that raised lettering must still be black and non-reflective to stay within the law. Under the new "26" system, number plates will follow the format XX26 XXX.
The first two letters show where the vehicle was registered, while the two numbers indicate the year it was registered, and the final three letters are random.
New number plates will be rolled out on March 1, with drivers able to purchase the '26' signifier
| GETTYThe introduction of new plates often has a knock-on effect throughout the car market, as even a few weeks' difference in registration date can impact a vehicle's resale value.
A car sold in February could attract a higher selling price than in March, as depreciation sets in faster after a plate change.
On average, a new car can lose around 20 per cent of its value in the first year and up to 33 per cent over three years.
Alongside the new 26 plates, the Government is also targeting illegal and so-called "ghost" plates, which have become worryingly more common on UK roads.
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New number plates are rolled out twice a year, in both March and September | GETTYThese are number plates that have been altered to avoid being picked up by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Under the new Road Safety Strategy, ministers said they are considering tougher penalties for drivers caught using non-compliant plates.
As well as fines of up to £1,000, offenders could face points on their licence, while serious cases could see cars seized.
Front plates must have a white background with black lettering, while rear plates must be yellow with black lettering. Both must be reflective.
Sarah Coombes, MP for West Bromwich, has called for drivers to face harsher punishments for 'ghost' plates | PAA standard font has been required since September 2001, meaning stylised or italic lettering is banned.
Plates fitted after September 1, 2021, must also display the supplier's name and postcode, along with the British Standard number BS AU 145e.
Lighting rules are also tightly controlled, with plates needing to be lit with white light that spreads evenly across the surface.
Tinted LED covers are not allowed, and bulbs must not be visible, although they must be functional.