DVLA Reveals Banned Number Plates for 2026: What Drivers Need to Know
DVLA Announces Major Number Plate Restrictions for 2026
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has published its latest list of number plates that will be banned from registration in 2026, prompting drivers and plate enthusiasts to check their vehicle registrations ahead of the new year. The number of combinations had a staggering jump to 436 licence plates that will be withheld from the upcoming ’26’ release. This represents a significant increase from previous years, reflecting the agency’s heightened vigilance over potentially offensive combinations.
Why Are Number Plates Being Banned?
Each year the DVLA reviews thousands of potential registration numbers and removes combinations that could be deemed offensive, discriminatory, or confusing — particularly those that could be mistaken for emergency service identifiers. The vast majority of registration numbers are made available, but the DVLA withholds any combinations of numbers and letters where they consider that they may cause offence, embarrassment or are in poor taste.
Among the controversial words and messages that may be perceived in the character combinations are references to crime, violence, religion, sex, sexual and gender identity, weapons, insults, racism, sexism and more. The ’26’ age identifier has created numerous unfortunate combinations when paired with specific letters, requiring careful scrutiny from the agency’s suppression team.
Examples of Banned Combinations
Plates like “IAMCOP” or “LOLCOPS” are struck off the list to prevent drivers from impersonating police officers or mocking law enforcement. Political references, such as “LOLGRETA” (potentially referencing climate activist Greta Thunberg) and “THECROWN,” also don’t make the cut, as the DVLA seeks to avoid stoking division or controversy on public roads. Other flagged examples include combinations that could be interpreted as violent or explicit in nature.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Motorists can be slapped with heavy punishments if they break number plate rules, including a £1,000 fine and their vehicle could even fail its MOT test. Your car can automatically fail its MOT test if the number plates are non-compliant, and your car insurance coverage could be invalidated too. Drivers attempting to manipulate standard plates to resemble banned combinations risk serious penalties.
When Will the New Plates Be Released?
The new ’26’ registrations will be displayed on cars from 1st March, covering vehicles registered between March and August 2026. The DVLA’s comprehensive review process ensures that the majority of registration numbers remain available whilst maintaining standards of public decency and road safety. For motorists seeking personalised registrations, checking the official approved list before purchase is essential to avoid disappointment.