Every year, the DVLA updates the UK’s vehicle registration system — and with each new rollout comes a fresh wave of banned number plates. For 2026, the scrutiny has intensified. Hundreds of potential “26” and “76” registrations have already been blacklisted before they ever reach the public.
But why does the DVLA ban plates in the first place? What’s different for 2026? And how will this affect drivers who love personalised registrations? Let’s dive into the details.
In 2026, two major registration series will hit the roads:
Before these plates become available, the DVLA’s internal review team filters out combinations that could be read as:
For 2026, over 400 registration combinations have been blocked at the review stage — never to be released.
Although the DVLA does not publicly publish every rejected plate, the patterns are well known and fairly consistent each year.
Combinations hinting at violence (“KILL”, “GUN”, “BOMB”), gang culture, weapons, or criminal behaviour are automatically rejected.
Any sequences that could be interpreted as sexual slang, explicit words, or crude references are censored.
Racial, religious, homophobic, or other discriminatory references are strictly prohibited.
This includes references to wars, extremist groups, political insults, or polarising slogans.
Some bans are broad. If the DVLA determines that any variation of a letter-number pattern could become offensive, the whole pattern is removed.
For example: if a format like *B26 OMB could generate offensive words depending on the first letter, the entire sequence is suppressed.
While people sometimes think plate bans are just about stopping immature jokes, there are deeper reasons behind the tightening rules.
A number plate isn’t private — it’s visible everywhere. An offensive plate could easily spark complaints, cause distress, or go viral for the wrong reasons.
Certain phrases could be used to provoke or threaten. With rising concerns over vehicle-related crime, it’s safer to avoid issuing plates that could be exploited.
The more plates resemble conventional words, the more tempted people might be to manipulate spacing or fonts. Banning borderline combinations simplifies enforcement.
Cloning is a growing problem: criminals use fake or duplicated number plates to evade detection, charges, or cameras. While content bans don’t solve cloning, they prevent offensive plates from becoming “souvenirs” or black-market novelties.
If you’re planning to buy a new car or order a personalised plate in 2026, these bans could influence availability and pricing.
Over 400 combinations are gone — meaning the pool of “desirable” or “word-like” plates gets smaller.
Short, memorable registrations will remain in high demand. With fewer available options, prices may increase on the private market.
Even if your plate is legal, how you display it matters. The DVLA requires:
Mis-spacing or styling a plate to “spell a word” could still land you a fine of up to £1,000.
The DVLA has been increasingly strict during MOTs and roadside checks. Plates that once “passed with a wink” might be flagged today.
Opinions vary — and passionately. The issue echoes a wider cultural debate.
In truth, both sides have valid points.
Number plates are unique: they’re both personal and public. Your plate is your identity, yet everyone around you has to look at it — which is why the DVLA exercises caution.
As the 2026 registration series approaches, one thing is clear: the DVLA is prioritising public sensitivity and clarity over cleverness and wordplay.
Whether you see that as a responsible move or an overreach, the trend is unmistakable.
Registration plates are becoming more regulated, not less.
But for drivers, the important takeaway is simple:
If you want a personalised plate, don’t wait. The pool is shrinking — and the 2026 bans mark yet another tightening of what’s considered “acceptable” on UK roads.
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