The DVLA has released a new list of banned number plates ahead of the September 2025 registration change, with 436 specific character combinations deemed offensive, provocative, or unsuitable.
This follows a recent Freedom of Information request and brings the total number of prohibited combinations to 646, adding to those blocked in previous years.
This move highlights the growing importance of ensuring that vehicle registrations remain free from language that could potentially cause offence or incite criminal behaviour. The DVLA’s annual review continues to shape the kind of messages displayed on UK roads.
Offensive Number Plates Blocked to Maintain Road Decorum
According to the DVLA, number plates containing terms deemed to be “offensive,” “inflammatory,” or “obscene” will not be issued. The agency’s decision has been informed by a broad range of factors, including concerns about public sensitivity and potential legal implications.
Plates referencing politically sensitive terms, such as “EU75 OUT” and “EU75 WAR,” have been blocked to avoid further polarisation of political debate.
Mark Trimbee, CEO of Regtransfers, commented, “These bans ensure that number plates on the road aren’t those that could be translated into something offensive, inflammatory, insulting, obscene, or otherwise problematic.” He added that some combinations are more obvious than others, but the DVLA takes a cautious approach in blocking potential issues.
The practice of blocking politically charged or controversial phrases is not new. In previous years, terms linked to Brexit or politically contentious subjects have been consistently restricted to prevent unrest. This ensures that number plates remain a neutral aspect of public life, reducing the chance of on-road confrontations based on divisive issues.
A Broader Approach: Avoiding Criminal References and Sensitive Terms
The DVLA’s current list also blocks plates referencing violent or criminal themes. Combinations like “LE75 KLL” (which could be interpreted as “Let’s kill”) or “LE75 LSD” (suggesting the use of illegal substances) have been added to the list to prevent promoting inappropriate or illegal behaviour.
These efforts illustrate the DVLA’s role not just in vehicle registration but in maintaining a safe and responsible road culture.
This year’s list is a significant update, with over 400 new combinations blocked, reflecting the growing attention to potential misuses of number plates. The new plates, set to be issued in September, are part of the annual rollout by the DVLA, who have long adhered to strict guidelines to avoid causing offence.
With this move, the DVLA hopes to ensure that the new number plate system continues to reflect socially responsible values, preventing the misuse of vehicles for displaying potentially harmful or divisive messages.
