Dvla Banned Number Plates: DVLA withholds offensive and sensitive “76” registrations before September launch
The latest dvla banned number plates list covers hundreds of “76” registration combinations that have been withheld before the new series reaches UK roads. Reports agree that the registrations were screened because they could be read as rude, offensive or linked to sensitive subjects, although they differ on the final number of plates blocked.
DVLA withholds offensive and sensitive “76” registrations before September launch
The new “76” registration series is due to launch on Tuesday, September 1. Ahead of that change, the DVLA has reviewed new combinations and removed registrations it considers likely to cause offence, embarrassment or concern. This is Money reports that 523 combinations were included in its published list, while Carwow puts the figure at 511.
That difference is not explained in the available reporting. Both accounts describe the list as covering more than 500 registrations, but neither establishes why their totals do not match.
Examples include combinations that can be interpreted as crude or sexually offensive phrases, such as AS76 FKU, BU76 NOB, SH76 TTY, AR76 RSE, EA76 DCK and FA76 NOB. The use of “76” creates additional possibilities for readings because the figures can resemble letters in some combinations. This is Money says the 7 may be read as an “I”, “T” or “A”, while the 6 can resemble a “B” or “A”.
The screening also covers references beyond rude wording. Reported examples include GE76 GUN, GO76 BOM, US76 WAR, FK76 UKR and GG76 HAD. Carwow says the review considers references to war, religion, politics, racism and crime, including combinations associated with Gaza, Ukraine, Yemen, terrorism and the Holocaust.
How the registration review works
The DVLA’s review takes place twice a year, according to the reports: in February before the March registration change and in August before the September change. A specialist panel or team examines thousands of possible combinations and withholds those judged likely to cause offence or to be in poor taste. This is Money attributes the policy to a DVLA spokesperson, who said the vast majority of registration numbers are made available.
The previous March review also gives some context for the changing totals: Carwow reports that 436 combinations were withheld from the “26” series. The available reports do not establish whether the 511 and 523 figures for the “76” series reflect different versions of the list, different counting methods or a later revision.
What happens if a plate is altered or displayed improperly?
The restrictions concern both the registration combination and the physical plate. Carwow says non-compliant plates can lead to an MOT failure and could affect insurance coverage. It also reports that plates must follow requirements covering their colours, the Charles Wright 2001 font, character dimensions, spacing and margins.
Drivers who alter a plate to create an offensive message or display a non-compliant registration may face enforcement. This is Money reports possible confiscation, an MOT failure and fines of up to £1,000. The same report separately gives a £100 fine and confiscation as the stated consequence for displaying an example such as GO76 FKT; the available coverage does not clarify when each penalty would apply.
The latest verified position is therefore that the “76” series is scheduled for release on September 1, with more than 500 combinations withheld, but the published reports do not agree on the exact total.