DVLA Unveils Prohibited Number Plates for the 2024 Registration Series
In preparation for the release of new number plates with the '24' registration in March 2024, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has unveiled a list of banned combinations. The organisation takes the matter of banned number plates seriously, convening meetings ahead of each new plate format release to ensure no unsuitable combinations slip through the cracks.
The DVLA issues a fresh batch of alphanumeric combinations biannually in March and September. Each new plate includes an 'age identifier' number denoting the age of the vehicle. However, certain combinations are prohibited due to their potential to cause offence, embarrassment, or poor taste.
Some examples of banned number plates include AS24 OLE, BA24 TDS, SL24 GSS, SH24 GED, and W24 NKR. The list includes some entries that may be more explicit and potentially offensive. The criteria for banning plates revolve around ensuring they are clearly readable, comply with strict design rules, and meet legal production standards.
Plates that use the wrong font or incorrect spacing are banned because they are hard to read. Front plates must have black characters on a white reflective background, while rear plates must have black characters on a yellow reflective background. Plates with background patterns or incorrect colours are also banned.
All lettering must be solid black and not two-tone or with reflective/raised characters that contravene the British Standard. Since September 2021, two-tone or 3D styled letters are banned. Plates must be made from reflective material meeting British Standard BS AU 145e.
Plates must not be altered and must only be displayed in regulated positions. Number plates must show supplier marks and must be made only by registered suppliers who verify original physical documents to prevent fraud.
Certain offensive or inappropriate letter/number combinations or plates that break display rules (e.g., obscuring or “vanishing” plates designed to evade cameras) are also banned. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to fines up to £1,000 and vehicle MOT failure.
These regulations ensure number plates are both visible and verifiable for law enforcement and road safety. The DVLA maintains a list of banned number plates due to their risqué nature, with the latest list for the '24' registration in March 2024 now available. Stable Lease has obtained the list of blacklisted 24-reg plates through a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA.
The DVLA, in preparation for the release of the '24' registration number plates in March 2024, has banned certain social-media-inspired number plate combinations due to their potential entertainment value and poor taste. Some of the prohibited combinations include AS24 OLE, SL24 GSS, and W24 NKR, as well as other entries that could be considered more explicit and offensive.
