IT’S the time of year again for the DVLA’s fresh batch of new number plates.
For 2025, the new ‘25’ registration plates launch on Saturday, 1 March – although not all plates will make it to the roads, with more than 250 deemed “too rude”.
As you may already know, new registrations are issued in batches each year – the first batch comes in March and the second in September.
The first release features the year-number plates, with ’25’ for this year, ‘26’ for next year, and so on.
The second release contains plates marked with the year number plus 50 – so ’75’ for this year. This is because the second batch of number plates is released six months later.
However, there are many potential number plate sequences that the DVLA restricts, as they could potentially be offensive or insensitive.
Months before the March round, the agency ensures a list of banned plates is drawn up.
Using a banned number plate can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and a failed MOT.
Thanks to a Freedom of Information request, the list has been released to the public – with many plates banned because they could be misread as rude words.
This year, as the number ‘25’ closely resembles the letters ‘SS’, many plates such as TO25 ERR, AS25 HOL, and PU25 SYY are all considered unacceptable.
Curiously, OR25 GSM is also banned, perhaps highlighting the versatility of the number ‘2’.
The arguably less offensive WA25 TED has been removed from circulation, while anything relating to sensitive topics, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, has also been removed.
These include plates like 25 RUS or 25 UKR, as well as the word ‘war’ itself on plates such as MG25 WAR and NF25 WAR.
Similarly, plates suggesting political views are also banned.
Iain Reid, Head of Editorial at Carwow, said: “The twice-yearly plate change always sparks some interest in the new car market, as car buyers get a kick out of having a new number plate, and many are willing to wait for one.
“Many drivers go one step further to express themselves with a personalised plate, but it’s important to ensure it does not cause offence.
“Car makers and dealers will be out to take a big slice of new car sales with special offers and tempting finance packages.
“So, if you’re looking to buy a ‘25’-plate car, keep an eye out for models with finance or low-rate finance deals.”
