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2025 DVLA Banned Number Plates: What You Need to Know

2025 DVLA Banned Number Plates: What You Need to Know
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The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has released its annual list of banned number plates for 2025. As always, the list includes combinations deemed offensive, provocative, or inappropriate for public roads. Here's a closer look at some of the banned plates and the reasons behind the DVLA's decisions.
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Why Are Number Plates Banned?
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The DVLA reviews potential number plate combinations to ensure they don't contain offensive language, swear words, sexual references, or any content that could be considered harmful or distressing. This year, the list includes plates referencing ongoing global conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as those with racist, sexist, or other potentially offensive connotations.
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Notable Banned Plates for 2025
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Some of the banned plates for 2025 include:
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25 HAG, 25 HAT, 25 LAG, 25 LUT, 25 PAS, 25 PAZ, 25 TAB, 25 RUS, 25 UKR
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AR25 WAR, EU25 WAR, GB25 WAR, GO25 WAR
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PE25 RVT, PE25 VRT (resembling "pervert")
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PS25 CHO, PU25 MAD, CR25 PLE, CR25 PPL, OR25 ASM​
A full list can be seen opposite.
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The Impact of Banned Plates
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Personalised number plates are a popular way for drivers to express their personality and style. However, the DVLA's stringent review process ensures that these plates do not promote harmful messages or views.
​What You Can Do
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If you're considering a personalised number plate, it's essential to double-check the DVLA's guidelines to ensure your choice complies with regulations. Legal plates must be made from reflective material, display black characters on a white background (front plate) and black characters on a yellow background (rear plate), and not have a background pattern.
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Conclusion
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The DVLA's banned list for 2025 reminds us of the importance of responsible self-expression on the road. While it's always fun to see creative and unique number plates, it's crucial to ensure they don't cross the line into offensive or harmful territory.
How to Put UK Number Plates on Retention and Use Them on Your Car
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If you have a personalised number plate and want to keep it without using it on a vehicle, you can put it on retention. This blog will guide you through the process, explain how to use plates on retention on your car, and detail the costs and timescales involved.
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What is Number Plate Retention?
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Number plate retention allows you to keep your personalised number plate without assigning it to a vehicle. You'll receive a V778 retention document proving your right to use the number plate in the future.
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How to Put a Number Plate on Retention
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Obtain a V317 Form: You'll need to fill out a V317 form, which is available online or from the DVLA.
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Provide Vehicle Information: Include details about the vehicle and the registration number.
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Pay the Fee: The fee for putting a number plate on retention is £80.
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Send the Form to DVLA: Submit the completed form, along with the vehicle's log book (V5C) and any other required documents, to the DVLA.
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Receive Your Retention Document: Once your application is approved, you'll receive a V778 retention document and a new log book (V5C).
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How to Use Plates on Retention on Your Car
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Assign the Number Plate: When you're ready to use the number plate on a vehicle, you'll need to assign it. This can be done online or by post using the V317 form5.
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Enter Vehicle Details: Provide the details of the new vehicle and the V5C document reference number.
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Complete the Application: Confirm the details and complete the application.
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Get New Plates: Download the form to have new plates made and put them on your car.
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Inform Your Insurance Company: Make sure to inform your insurance company about the new number plate.
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Costs Involved
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Retention Fee: £80 to put the number plate on retention.
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Assignment Fee: £80 to assign the number plate to a new vehicle.
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New Plates: The cost of new plates will vary depending on the supplier.
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Timescales
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Retention Process: The number will be removed immediately if your vehicle does not need an inspection. Otherwise, it may take a few days for the DVLA to process your application1.
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Assignment Process: Once you've applied to assign the number plate, it can take 4 to 6 weeks to receive your new log book (V5C) showing the vehicle's replacement registration number.
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Understanding Stolen Number Plates in the UK: What You Need to Know.
Number plate theft is an increasing concern in the UK. It's not just about the inconvenience of replacing them; stolen number plates can be used in criminal activities, leaving the owners facing unexpected fines or legal troubles. In this blog, we will delve into why number plates are stolen, how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens to you.
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Why Are Number Plates Stolen?
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Number plates can be stolen for several reasons, including:
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Criminal Activities: Thieves often use stolen plates on cars involved in crimes such as petrol theft, avoiding congestion charges, and more serious criminal activities.
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Cloning: Stolen plates can be used to clone a vehicle's identity. This means an illegal vehicle can appear legitimate, leading to fines and charges being directed to the innocent plate owner.
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Re-Selling: Although less common, some stolen plates are sold to unsuspecting buyers looking for a specific plate number.​
How to Prevent Number Plate Theft
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Here are some practical tips to help protect your number plates:
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Use Theft-Resistant Screws: Invest in anti-theft screws that make it difficult for thieves to remove your plates.
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Secure Parking: Always park your vehicle in well-lit and secure areas. If possible, use a garage or a monitored parking space.
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CCTV: Installing security cameras can act as a deterrent to thieves.
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Stay Vigilant: Regularly check your number plates to ensure they are secure and intact.​
What to Do If Your Number Plates Are Stolen
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If you find yourself a victim of number plate theft, follow these steps:
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Report to the Police: Inform the police immediately. This helps in case your plates are used in criminal activities.
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Inform the DVLA: Notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about the theft. They can guide you on the next steps.
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Get Replacements: Contact us to get replacement number plates. Ensure that you comply with the legal standards for UK number plates.
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Inform Your Insurance: Let your insurance company know about the theft. This can help protect you from any fraudulent claims made using your stolen plates.​
Legal Considerations
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It’s important to remember that driving without legally compliant number plates is illegal in the UK. Make sure your replacement plates adhere to the DVLA standards, including the correct size, font, and spacing.
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Conclusion
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Number plate theft is a significant issue that can have serious repercussions. By taking preventative measures and knowing what to do if it happens, you can protect yourself and your vehicle from the potential fallout. At our website, we offer high-quality replacement number plates that meet all legal requirements, ensuring you can get back on the road quickly and safely.
For more information and expert advice on replacement number plates, visit our blog and explore our wide range of products. Stay safe and drive with confidence!
The Essential Guide to Number Plates in the UK.
Keeping up with regulations for vehicle number plates in the UK is crucial for all drivers. Ensuring your plates are compliant not only helps avoid fines but also enhances road safety and helps law enforcement efficiently identify vehicles.
General Rules for Number Plates
1. Reflective Material:
- Your number plates must be made from a reflective material to ensure visibility in all lighting conditions.
2. Colour Scheme:
- Front Plate: Black characters on a white background.
- Rear Plate: Black characters on a yellow background.
3. No Background Pattern:
- The plates should not have any background patterns that could obscure the characters.
4. Supplier Information:
- Plates must display a mark to show who supplied them, ensuring traceability.
5. British Standard:
- For plates fitted after 1 September 2021, they must comply with the standard ‘BS AU 145e’. The characters must not be removable or reflective, and they must be a single shade of black.
Additional Features
Your number plates can also:
- 3D (Raised) Characters: Enhance the look of your plates with 3D raised characters.
- Flags and Symbols: Display certain flags, symbols, and identifiers.
- Green Flash: If you have a zero-emission vehicle, your number plates can display a green flash.
Motorcycles and Motor Tricycles
- Post-2001 Vehicles: Motorcycles and motor tricycles registered on or after 1 September 2001 must display a number plate at the rear.
- Pre-2001 Vehicles: Vehicles registered before this date can also have a front number plate, but it's not mandatory.
- Plate Layout: The number plate characters should be displayed on two lines.
Towing Trailers
- Matching Number Plates: Your trailer must display the same number plate as the towing vehicle.
- Multiple Trailers: If towing more than one trailer, the number plate must be on the trailer at the back.
Commercial and Heavy Trailers Abroad
- Trailer Registration Plate: For trailers that need to be registered to travel abroad, attach the trailer registration plate to the back. Ensure it is as far from the towing vehicle's number plate as possible.
- Alternative Fixing: If it's not possible to fix it to the back, place the plates on both sides, making sure they are clearly visible.
Letter Spacing, Size, and Style
- Character Dimensions: The height and size of the characters on a number plate are regulated. For detailed measurements, refer to leaflet INF104: Vehicle registration numbers and number plates - height and size measurement.
Conclusion
By adhering to these guidelines, you'll ensure your number plates are fully compliant with UK regulations, avoiding any legal issues and maintaining safety standards on the roads. For more detailed information, refer to official DVLA leaflets and guidelines.
Understanding ANPR Cameras and Their Use in the UK.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are a powerful tool used for traffic management and law enforcement. These cameras capture and analyze vehicle registration plates, providing valuable data for various purposes. Let's dive into how they work and their applications in the UK.
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How ANPR Cameras Work
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ANPR technology involves several key components:
1. Camera: Captures images of vehicles as they pass by.
2. Software: Processes the images to extract the number plate information.
3. Database: Cross-references the extracted data with a database to identify the vehicle and its owner.
The process is highly efficient, allowing for real-time data collection and analysis.
Applications of ANPR Cameras in the UK
1. Traffic Management: ANPR cameras are widely used to enforce traffic regulations, such as bus lane restrictions, no-entry zones, and yellow box junctions. They help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow by ensuring compliance with traffic rules.
2. Law Enforcement: Police forces use ANPR cameras to detect and deter criminal activities. This includes tracking stolen vehicles, identifying uninsured drivers, and monitoring the movements of known offenders.
3. Safety and Security: ANPR cameras enhance public safety by monitoring high-risk areas and providing evidence in case of accidents or incidents.
4. Congestion Charging: In cities like London, ANPR cameras are used to enforce congestion charges, helping to reduce traffic and pollution.
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Benefits and Challenges
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Benefits:
- Efficiency: ANPR cameras provide a cost-effective solution for monitoring and managing traffic.
- Accuracy: The technology is highly accurate, reducing the chances of human error.
- Deterrence: The presence of ANPR cameras acts as a deterrent for traffic violations and criminal activities.
Challenges:
- Privacy Concerns: The extensive use of ANPR cameras raises privacy issues, as they collect data on vehicle movements.
- Data Management: Managing and storing the vast amount of data generated by ANPR cameras can be challenging.
- False Positives: There is a risk of false positives, where the system incorrectly identifies a vehicle.
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Conclusion
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ANPR cameras play a crucial role in modern traffic management and law enforcement in the UK. While they offer numerous benefits, it is essential to address privacy concerns and ensure proper data management. As technology continues to evolve, the use of ANPR cameras is likely to become even more widespread, contributing to safer and more efficient roads.
Understanding Regional Codes on UK Number Plates.
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Have you ever wondered what the letters on UK number plates signify? These regional codes provide a fascinating glimpse into the vehicle registration system in the UK. Let's explore the intricacies and meanings behind these codes.
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The Structure of UK Number Plates
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UK number plates follow a specific format: two letters, followed by two numbers, and then three letters (e.g., AB12 CDE). The first two letters are regional identifiers, indicating where the vehicle was originally registered.
Regional Codes and Their Meanings
1. London (LA-LY)
- Vehicles registered in London carry the initial letters from LA to LY. With London being a bustling hub, you’ll often see these plates across the city’s busy roads.
2. Birmingham (BA-BY)
- Birmingham, known for its rich industrial history, has registrations starting with BA to BY. If you spot these codes, you’re likely looking at a vehicle from the Midlands.
3. Manchester (MA-MY)
- Manchester, a city famous for its music and football, uses MA to MY for its vehicles. Keep an eye out for these plates when cruising through the North West.
4. Glasgow (SA-SJ, SK-SO)
- In Scotland, Glasgow's vehicles are marked with SA to SJ and SK to SO. These letters signify the city’s importance as a cultural and economic center.
5. Edinburgh (SL-SY)
- Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, uses SL to SY. These codes reflect the city’s historic and political significance.
6. Leeds (DA-DY)
- Vehicles from Leeds, an important financial and cultural hub, carry DA to DY. It’s a city known for its diverse economy and vibrant arts scene.
7. Sheffield (NA-NY)
- Sheffield, synonymous with steel production, uses NA to NY. These codes are a nod to the city’s industrial heritage.
8. Cardiff (CA-CY)
- In Wales, Cardiff’s vehicles bear the codes CA to CY. As the Welsh capital, Cardiff is a focal point for political and cultural activities.
9. Liverpool (KA-KY)
- Liverpool, famous for The Beatles and its maritime history, uses KA to KY. Look for these plates to identify a Scouse registration.
10. Bristol (EA-EY)
- Bristol’s vehicles have registrations from EA to EY. Known for its aerospace industry and vibrant arts scene, Bristol is a key city in the South West.
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Why Regional Codes Matter
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Understanding regional codes can be useful for several reasons:
- Vehicle History: Knowing the origin of a vehicle can provide insights into its history and previous use.
- Local Pride: Regional codes can instill a sense of local pride and identity for vehicle owners.
- Collector’s Item: For enthusiasts, certain regional codes might hold particular significance, making them more desirable.
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Regional codes on UK number plates are more than just random letters. They tell a story about the vehicle’s origin and reflect the diverse regions of the United Kingdom. Next time you spot a number plate, take a moment to decode its regional identifier – you might learn something new about the vehicle and its journey!