DVLA Prohibits Hundreds of Inappropriate Number Plates Before New Series Launch
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is taking decisive action to prevent offensive registrations from reaching UK roads by blocking over 400 number plate combinations ahead of the introduction of the new '26' series on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Strict Screening Process for New Registrations
Each year, the DVLA conducts a thorough review of potential number plate combinations before they go on sale, ensuring that any registrations deemed inappropriate are removed from circulation entirely. For the upcoming '26' series, this process has resulted in 403 combinations being prohibited from assignment to new vehicles or purchase as personalised plates.
This means these registrations will never appear on British roads, maintaining standards of decency and preventing potential offense to the public.
Examples of Banned Combinations
The blocked plates include combinations that could be interpreted as offensive statements or contain inappropriate references. Some examples that have been identified include:
- FU26 KER
- AS26 HOL
- SC26 TUM
- TR26 NNY
- LE26 ZER
- FA26 OTT
These registrations represent just a sample of the hundreds that have been removed from consideration during the screening process.
Criteria for Prohibition
The DVLA employs specific guidelines when evaluating number plate combinations for potential prohibition. Plates are banned if they:
- Spell or suggest offensive, rude, or sexual terms
- Reference violence, criminal activity, or extremist behavior
- Relate to sensitive political or global events
- Could be misleading, confusing, or mistaken for official markings
This comprehensive approach ensures that only appropriate registrations enter circulation, balancing personal expression with public sensibilities.
Industry Perspective on the Screening Process
Mark Trimbee, chief executive of Regtransfers, commented on the annual screening process: "The release of new number plates is always an exciting time for us, as it brings a fresh wave of fun, appealing and valuable combinations to our roads. Sadly, it also brings a new horde of combinations that are considered a bit too risky to allow out into the public."
He continued: "The DVLA have an unfortunate role to play, and while some might see this as them being 'killjoys', they do have the responsibility to keep people safe from offensive, derogatory and provocative plates."
The '26' series has drawn particular attention due to both the volume of banned combinations and the nature of the prohibited registrations, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing creative expression with appropriate content standards in vehicle registration.
