The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a fresh wave of 'bans', prohibiting over 400 new number plate combinations deemed too offensive for UK roads. Motorists are being warned that they could unexpectedly wake up to a £1,000 fine if they fail to manage their existing personalised registrations correctly.
The Banned Plates for 2026
This crackdown follows a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the registration transfer specialist, RegTransfers. The newly released list details the number plates that will be barred from the first registration series of 2026.
The DVLA has identified and vetoed combinations that could be interpreted as homophobic, transphobic, racist, or otherwise offensive. Among the explicit examples banned are FU26 KER, AS26 HOL, and SC26 TUM. Other combinations on the list include TR26 NNY, LE26 ZER, and FA26 OTT.
Mark Trimbee, the boss of RegTransfers, commented on the findings. He noted that while each new list predictably contains rude words and references to body parts, the censored combinations can also reflect the current sociopolitical climate.
Why Certain Combinations Are Censored
Trimbee explained the psychology behind the bans. "Number plates aren't deliberately arranged to spell out words, but the human brain has a particular knack for pattern recognition," he said.
"This is what makes certain plate combinations fun, appealing and valuable, but it's also why a random mix of characters can appear offensive – extremely so in some cases – and why the DVLA will likely always have to work to censor certain arrangements."
He acknowledged the divided public opinion on the matter, adding, "Some might see it as unnecessary overkill, others will see it as a necessity to safeguard communities."
The Hidden Fine for All Drivers
In a separate but crucial alert, the DVLA has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to warn all drivers with personalised registrations about a potential financial pitfall.
The agency stated, "Do you have a personalised registration that is not on a vehicle? If it's been 10 years since the latest certificate or retention document for your registration was issued, you may need to renew it this year."
Failure to renew an expired retention document for a private number plate can lead to the registration number being permanently lost and the driver being fined £1,000. The DVLA emphasised that it is free to renew the document, making this an easily avoidable penalty.
This warning comes at a critical time, just ahead of the Christmas period when many people may be considering a private registration as a gift.
