As the new ’25’ vehicle registration plates roll out on March 1, 2025, many motorists are gearing up to add a touch of personality to their cars with personalised number plates. However, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) has once again drawn up a list of banned number plates that are deemed inappropriate or offensive.
Each year, the DVLA reviews potential combinations and withholds registrations that could cause embarrassment, offence, or controversy. The 2025 list includes plates with sexual innuendos, swear words, references to drugs, terrorism, or criminal activity, as well as those with racist, sexist, or other potentially offensive connotations.
Banned Combinations for 2025
Among the banned plates are “wildcard” combinations, including strings of letters and numbers that may seem harmless at first but have inappropriate meanings upon closer inspection. These include:
- 25 HAG, 25 HAT, 25 LAG, 25 LUT, 25 PAS, 25 PAZ, 25 TAB
- Plates referencing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, such as 25 RUS and 25 UKR
- References to war, including AR25 WAR, EU25 WAR, GB25 WAR, and GO25 WAR
- Subtle offensive plates like GB25 BAD, GB25 BOM, and GB25 SHT
These decisions aim to avoid plates that could provoke or offend members of the public, particularly given ongoing global conflicts and sensitivities.
Industry Perspective
Mark Trimbee, CEO of Regtransfers, commented:
“It’s always entertaining to see some of the plates deemed inappropriate by the DVLA, but there are also those that remind us why this is a necessary process. Personalised number plates are a fun and creative outlet, but they mustn’t display harmful messages or views.”
He added that deciding which plates to ban is a “balancing act,” as certain combinations may carry unintended meanings.
What You Need to Know About Legal Number Plates
The DVLA has strict rules governing number plate design and display to ensure road safety and compliance. 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)
- Not have a background pattern
- Be marked with a supplier’s information and meet the British Standard ‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after September 1, 2021
Additionally, characters must not be removable or reflective. Plates fitted after September 2021 must feature a single shade of black, though 3D characters, specific flags, symbols, and identifiers are allowed.
Upcoming Registrations
The 25 series will be eligible for use from March 1, 2025, with the 75 series following in September 2025.
For those looking to personalise their plates, it’s worth double-checking the DVLA’s guidelines to ensure your selection doesn’t breach regulations. While creative expression is encouraged, motorists are reminded to adhere to the rules to avoid fines or confiscation of their plates.
