The DVLA has taken proactive steps to ensure that the upcoming ‘26’ registration plates, set to hit UK roads next year, maintain a standard of appropriateness and respectfulness. Already, the agency has flagged and barred a substantial number of plates deemed offensive, with a Freedom of Information request from personalised plate supplier Regtransfers revealing that over 400 combinations have been blocked from release.
This practice of preemptively banning certain plates is not new; similar actions were taken for the ‘25’ registration plates last September, where 210 combinations were withheld, and even more recently, 436 were confirmed for the forthcoming ‘26’ release. The rationale behind these bans often includes character combinations that relate to crime, violence, sexual references, and other sensitive subjects that could provoke negative reactions.
Among the specific banned combinations identified are TE26 ROR, GO26 WAR, and JE26 HAD, illustrating a clear commitment to social sensitivity. Importantly, the DVLA maintains the authority to revoke a number plate even after it has been issued if it is later deemed problematic.
Mark Trimbee, CEO of Regtransfers, commented on the DVLA’s practice, noting their ongoing observation of banned plate combinations. He pointed out that while many of the words are expectedly inappropriate, there are also interesting selections that reflect the prevailing sociopolitical climate. “Number plates aren’t deliberately arranged to spell out words,” Trimbee explains. “However, pattern recognition naturally leads people to find humor or offense in certain combinations.” He acknowledged the delicate balance the DVLA must strike between censorship and allowing individuals to enjoy personalized plates.
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For those interested in obtaining a number plate, it is crucial to remain compliant with the DVLA’s regulations. Key guidelines stipulate that plates must be created from reflective materials, display black characters on designated backgrounds—white for the front and yellow for the rear—without patterns, and include supplier markings along with a British Standard number, specifically ‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after September 1, 2021. Any characters must also adhere to guidelines against being removable or reflective, with a single shade of black required for more recent plates.
Additionally, these plates may include 3D raised characters, specific flags or symbols, and even a green flash for zero-emission vehicles, providing options for personalization while maintaining regulatory compliance.
