The annual list of prohibited license plates for 2025 has been released by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Plates that allude to international conflicts and inflammatory language are among the prohibited combinations, underscoring the fine line that separates private expression from public decorum.
DVLA : Tightened Controls on Number Plate Combinations
The release of banned number plates has become an annual tradition for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), ensuring vehicle registrations remain inoffensive and appropriate. For 2025, the agency has unveiled its list of prohibited plates following its review of new combinations introduced alongside the March and September plate updates.
The review process targets any number plate combinations that could be interpreted as vulgar, provocative, or distressing. Among this year’s rejections are plates referencing sensitive topics, such as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Plates like AR25 WAR, EU25 WAR, and GB25 WAR have been deemed unsuitable for public roads, reflecting concerns about their potential to offend or provoke.
The DVLA consistently aims to ensure personalised number plates do not disrupt public harmony or offend sensibilities. The agency reviews each new batch of combinations against a set of internal guidelines that identify potentially problematic terms or phrases.
Prohibited Licence Plates:
Plates Starting with “25”
- H Series: HAG, HAT
- L Series: LAG, LUT
- P Series: PAS, PAZ
- R Series: RUS, TAB
- Ukrainian Reference: UKR
Special Combinations
- A25 Series: YAN
- J25 Series: EWW, EWZ
- AA25 Series: HLE, HOL, OLE, RSE, RYN, SOL
- AB25 Series: ORT
- AD25 Series: UGY, UNK
- AH25 Series: OMO
- AR25 Series: BOY, FUL, FUN, WAR, YAN
- AS25 Series: BOY, FUL, LAD, STD
- AU25 Series: WTS, WTZ
- AW25 Series: NKR, NKS
BA25 to FK25
- BA25: TAD, TRD, TUD
- BJ25: EXX, EXY
- BO25: LOX
- CO25: CKZ
- CR25: PLE, PPL
- DD25: UGD, UGG, UGY, UNK
- FK25: EXX, EXY, VAJ
EU25 to GB25
- EU25: BAD, BOM, OFF, WAR
- FA25: GAT, GTS, GTT, NNY
- GA25: GAY, HER, JUD, ZAA, ZAX
- GB25: BAD, BOM, GNG, SHT, WAR
GO25 to MG25
- GO25: HEL, SHT, WAR
- HE25: HEX
- JU25: CMP, NAS, OVN
- LE25: BOO, ZAA, ZAX, ZZR
- MG25: WAR
NA25 to PU25
- NA25: TZE
- NF25: WAR, XRW
- PU25: MAD, SEY, SYY
RE25 to XA25
- RE25: TAD, TRD
- SC25: OTE, TUM
- ST25: ABB, ABS
- TO25: ERR, OFF
- XA25: HLE, HOL, RSE, SO
Miscellaneous
- YA25: DEE, DYS, DYY
- YE25: DTH, MEN, WAR
Global Conflicts and Offensive Words Among Banned Plates
The DVLA‘s banned list extends beyond references to geopolitical conflicts, addressing a variety of terms that could offend or ridicule individuals. Combinations like 25 LAG, 25 HAG, and 25 LUT have also been excluded for their perceived derogatory nature. Additionally, partial strings that carry vulgar implications, such as 25 RUS and 25 UKR, have been blacklisted in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In recent years, the DVLA has seen an increasing number of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests regarding banned plates, highlighting public curiosity about the agency’s decisions. Mark Trimbee, CEO of the private registration company Regtransfers, noted that It’s “always entertaining” to see what gets flagged. While some choices might seem overly cautious, the process is essential to ensure plates do not offend sensibilities or promote harmful messages.
A Balancing Act of Expression and Decency
While some motorists view the banned plates as unnecessary censorship, others support the DVLA’s efforts to maintain decorum. Experts in motoring culture argue that personalised plates should remain a form of light-hearted self-expression rather than a platform for controversial statements.
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