All newly registered cars in the UK will carry the latest 75 number plates. While many motorists are excited about the new registration mark the DVLA is warning drivers that failing to follow the rules could lead to fines of up to £1000 or even a failed MOT test. The Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency has strict regulations about how number plates should be displayed on vehicles. These rules exist to ensure that registration numbers remain clearly visible & readable by traffic cameras and law enforcement officers. One of the most common mistakes drivers make involves altering the spacing or font of their number plates. Some motorists try to make their registration look like a name or word by adjusting the gaps between letters and numbers.
Meaning of New ‘75’ Number Plates
The UK registration system changes twice each year. Cars registered between March and August 2025 were issued with the “25” plate. Those registered from December 2025 until February 2026 will display the “75” mark. This simple system helps drivers & buyers know instantly how new a car is. It also plays an important role in the car market as dealers often highlight the newest plates to attract buyers looking for the latest models.
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DVLA’s 2025 Ban on Controversial Plates
With every new release the DVLA reviews number plate combinations to ensure none can be misread as offensive or inappropriate. This year hundreds of options have been blocked from use. The issue becomes more complicated because the number 5 looks very similar to the letter S which increases the chance of words being formed accidentally. Drivers are reminded that using a plate that has been altered or made non-compliant is a serious offence. The consequences include fines of up to £1000 & the risk of failing an MOT. In some cases the DVLA can withdraw the registration entirely.
Essential Number Plate Rules for UK Drivers
The UK has strict rules for number plates that must be followed. Plates need to be reflective & easy to read. The front plate must have black characters on a white background while the rear plate must have black characters on a yellow background. From December 2025 onwards the characters must be solid black without shading or 3D effects. Every plate must display the British Standard mark BS AU 145e to show it meets durability and readability standards. Plates must also show the name of the supplier who issued them. The spacing of characters cannot be altered to create words or names. Plates must match exactly what the DVLA has specified or they are considered illegal.
How Plate Rules Affect Your MOT Test
Not following plate rules means more than just getting pulled over by the police. Your car can also fail its MOT because of it. Testing centres must check that number plates are visible & legal. If your plate does not meet DVLA standards the car will not pass. This creates extra costs and the inconvenience of fitting a new plate before you can retest. Number plates are also important for road enforcement. Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras need plates to be clear and readable. When your plate cannot be read properly it causes problems with the system & raises the chance of receiving fines or penalties.
What Drivers Must Do After Plate Update
If you are buying a new car from December your dealership will issue the correct “75” plate as standard. However for those with existing cars it is worth checking your plates now. Look carefully to make sure they are not faded or cracked or incorrectly spaced. If they do not meet DVLA requirements replacing them sooner rather than later will save time & money & the risk of penalties. By following the DVLA’s guidance drivers can avoid unnecessary problems & keep their vehicles road-legal. With fines of up to £1000 & the risk of failing an MOT the safest option is to ensure your plates meet the rules. The new “75” plates are a reminder that while the style changes twice a year the legal standards behind them remain as strict as ever.
