DVLA Bans 73-Reg Plate Combinations

The DVLA has disclosed the compilation of licence plate combinations considered too offensive for public display.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has recently unveiled a new compilation of prohibited UK number plates. These additions contribute to the continually expanding collection of unsuitable or suggestive combinations that will not be permitted for display on vehicles.

It seems that there have been some developments since springtime regarding the restrictions on certain number plates, specifically those referencing Covid and the war in Ukraine. A recent enquiry under the Freedom of Information Act uncovered the complete list of prohibited combinations for the upcoming '73' number plates, set to be released in September. This list includes contentious combinations like BO73 LOX, HA73 GAY, LE73 ZZA, SH73 TER, and WH73 PWR, which are considered inappropriate for public display.

The DVLA produces over a million plausible number combinations during each plate alteration. Consequently, the register of prohibited plate combinations extends surprisingly far. For instance, the prefix AN73 might be mistaken for 'ANTI' or 'ANY,' both of which are disallowed when combined with various three-letter sequences. Similar constraints apply to EA73, as it evokes associations with 'EATS' and HA73, which could be misconstrued as a condensed form of 'HATES.'

Certain combinations of numbers and letters on vehicle registration plates have raised concerns due to their potential to offend. While a few combinations may require some thought to understand their offensive nature, others are quite obvious. For instance, the DVLA  has removed plates like AS73 HOL, BU73 SHT, and EA73 DCK, which can be easily recognised as potentially shocking.

The issue of prohibited combinations of number plates may appear trivial, but it is a matter of great importance for the DVLA. Prior to releasing each new plate format, which occurs biannually, the organisation conducts meetings to diligently prevent any unsuitable combinations from being displayed on vehicles.

The evaluation for prohibiting licence plates is based on whether they "have the potential to be offensive, embarrassing, or exhibit poor judgment." The DVLA emphasises that only a small fraction of combinations are deemed unsuitable, while the majority of registrations remain accessible to the public.

Below, you'll discover a comprehensive list of 73 plate combinations that are prohibited. It's up to you to decide which ones you prefer. However, please be aware that certain combinations on this list are significantly more explicit than the examples we provided earlier. They have the potential to offend or cause distress to some individuals.

The complete compilation of prohibited 73-reg licence plates

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