Number Plates and What You Need To Know

Number Plates and What You Need To Know

Number plates are a big part of our daily lives – but how much do you really know about them?

For over 100 years, number plates have been a legal requirement on all registered cars. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about them to help you stay up to speed.

Keep reading to find out more.

What are vehicle registration numbers?

When vehicles are registered and taxed, they will be assigned a registration number. This will stay with the car until it is destroyed instead of being allocated to the registered keeper. If you are the registered keeper, however, and would like to transfer the registration number to another vehicle you can apply to do this. It can also be transferred onto a retention certificate (V778).

What is the current vehicle registration format?

2 letters that refer to the region in the country where your vehicle was first registered. E.g. NT would refer to Stockton as ‘N’ is for North and ‘T’ corresponds to the DVLA office, which in this case would be Stockton.

2 numbers refer to the year the registration was issued. These change twice a year in March and September. For example, if the vehicle was registered between March and August 2018, the numbers would be ‘18’. If it was registered in September 2018, the numbers would be ‘68’.

3 letters chosen at random.

What happens if you don’t follow this format?

You could end up with a hefty fine of £1,000 plus your car will fail its MOT test if the above format is not followed.

It is an offence to alter, rearrange, or misrepresent the numbers and letters on a registration plate. You cannot rearrange them to form words or names, or in a way that makes it difficult to read.

How often do new number plates come out?

New number plates are released twice a year in the UK on 1st March and 1st September. The last two digits of the year of release are reflected in the third and fourth digits of the number plate.

How can I calculate the age of my car?

There are a few quick ways to calculate the age of your car. You can enter your registration number into online checkers which will be able to instantly give you the vehicle’s age.

You can also calculate this by looking at your number plate. September plates are always 50 plus the year number. So, for example, 2018 number plates will be 50+18 = 68.

What is the new reg for 2024?

Any new car registered between 1st March and August 31st 2024 will display the ‘24’ number plate. While any cars registered from 1st September onwards will display ‘74’.

2024 banned UK number plates

In February 2024, the DVLA released a list of banned number plates in the UK. These plates reference anything related to crime, racism, politics, and certain aspects of religion. Essentially, anything that could insult, embarrass, or offend other people is banned.

Electric vehicle number plates

Number plates on EVs are slightly different to those found on petrol and diesel cars. You’ll be able to recognise these by a green strip down the left-hand side of the plate to indicate that the vehicle is electric.

Can I drive my new car without number plates?

Since 1903, it’s been a legal requirement for all vehicles driven or parked on public roads to display front and rear number plates. Motorbikes and motor tricycles registered after September 2021 only legally have to display a rear number plate.

It is a criminal offence if you are caught driving a car without a number plate and you could face a fine of up to £1,000. You are also at risk of three penalty points on your driving licence.

Find your next car at Bristol Street Motors

We hope you enjoyed this article and are now clued up on everything you need to know about number plates! Searching for your next car? We stock a wide range of new and used cars to suit all budgets.

Our friendly team are ready and waiting to help and can also explain our car finance options to you. Find your local dealership and book an appointment today.

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