The DVLA has banned more than 500 new ’76’ number plates before they even reach UK roads, amid fears they could cause offense or make controversial statements.
Ahead of the introduction of the new registration age identification launching on Tuesday, September 1, officials have removed hundreds of combinations from circulation, including crude offerings such as AS76 FKU and BU76 NOB, in addition to more sensitive registrations referencing wars, violence, race and religion.
A specialist DVLA panel reviews each new registration batch twice a year, examining thousands of possible combinations before deciding which should be blacklisted.
The arrival of the new ’76’ sign poses a particular challenge for the agency’s crack team because the numbers 7 and 6 can look like letters, allowing motorists to create words and phrases that would otherwise be banned.
Because the number 7 may resemble an ‘I’, ‘T’ or ‘A’, and the number 6 is used to mimic a ‘B’ or ‘A’, there are numerous ways in which directors can intentionally create sexual, offensive or politically driven references.
Drivers tempted to manipulate their number plates or post offensive messages risk having their registrations confiscated, their MOT failed and hit with fines of up to £1,000.
We’ve published the full list of banned ’76’ registrations released by the DVLA next month. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find all 523.
Ahead of the launch of the new number plate 76 on Tuesday, September 1, the DVLA’s full list of banned registration numbers has been revealed – you can see them all below
Join the discussion
Should drivers have the freedom to express themselves on license plates, or is banning ‘offensive’ license plates the right move?
Who decides which records should be banned?
Twice a year – in February, just before the license plate change in March and again in August before the new age identification is launched in September – the DVLA holds a meeting where senior officials and specialists examine new registration combinations and remove those believed to be offensive.
A DVLA spokesperson said: ‘The vast majority of registration numbers are made available, but DVLA will withhold any combination of numbers and letters if we believe it may cause offense, embarrassment or be in bad taste.’
Rude combinations are among the most offensive and are the first to be ironed out. This also applies to AS76 FKU and BU76 NOB, both of which have been vetoed for September 1.
However, some of the blocked registrations relate to more sensitive topics that may cause genuine anxiety or concern.
Examples include GE76 GUN and GO76 BOM.
References related to past and present conflicts, such as US76 WAR and FK76 UKR, are also prohibited, as are politically and racially charged combinations, including GG76 HAD.
Anyone considering breaking the rules by displaying a prohibited or non-compliant number plate, such as GO76 FKT, should be aware that police may confiscate the registration and impose a £100 fine.
How license plates are classified and what the different elements mean (Source: DVLA)
License plate rules and restrictions explained
There are strict rules regarding fonts, font sizes, colors and placements for license plates, among other things.
For example, it is illegal to have a sign whose display has been altered (e.g. by incorrect spacing) to create a word or name.
If police spot cases on the road, they can arrest drivers and issue fines of up to £1,000.
Cars with incorrectly displayed license plates can also miss their MOT inspection.
Siobhan Doyle, from Carwow, points out that a failed MOT on license plate grounds is also likely to invalidate a motorist’s insurance policy, meaning they could face further penalties if caught behind the wheel without the problem being resolved.
The DVLA guide to number plates says: ‘You cannot rearrange or misrepresent the numbers and letters on a number plate to form names or words so that they are difficult to read.
‘For example, attaching bolts to change letters or numbers.
‘You can be fined up to €1,000 and your car will not pass the MOT inspection if you drive with incorrectly displayed number plates.
‘In some cases the license plate can be permanently withdrawn.’
It adds: ‘If you enter a registration number incorrectly, you will not be refunded any money you paid for the registration number or any other costs you may have to pay.
‘You cannot make your car look younger than it really is with a license plate.’
