DVLA hands out 464 'bans' in major crackdown on UK cars ahead of big change

As we gear up for the new '75' registration platecoming into effect from September 1, the DVLAhas clamped down on a series of number plates it considers too saucy for British streets. Among the banned combinations are 'BO75 OCK', 'BL75 JOB' and 'DR75 NKY'. The DVLA conducts a biannual clean-up operation in March and September to weed out any number plate combinations that might cause a stir or offence.

The no-go list includes references to violence, drugs, crime, discrimination, political stances, explicit language, or anything that could be seen as embarrassing or inflammatory. Carwow's head of editorial, Iain Reid, said: "Personalised plates are always a source of creativity - and sometimes controversy.

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"Every release brings a wave of cheeky, clever, and occasionally questionable suggestions that the DVLA has to sift through."

He added: "While most are light-hearted, it's important the system filters out anything that could cause genuine offence. With each new series, it's fascinating to see where the line is drawn."

Carwow's rundown of prohibited plates shows that the '5' in '75' is particularly troublesome this time, as it resembles an 'S', leading to the vetoing of risque, suggestive or unsuitable combinations like 'BO75 OCK', 'BL75 JOB', 'DR75 NKY' and 'TO75 ERR', reports Birmingham Live.

Plates with politically or socially sensitive connotations have also been given the boot, such as 'EU75 WAR' – hinting at international strife, 'NO75 LAB' – indicating a jab at a political party, and 'NO75 LEZ' – targeting low-emission zones. Several plates that hint at sexual innuendo or slang were also turned down, including 'PE75 RVS', 'TE75 CLE', 'PR75 TIT'.

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Mark Trimbee, CEO of Regtransfers, added: "These bans ensure that number plates on the road aren't those that could be translated into something offensive, inflammatory, insulting, obscene or otherwise problematic."

As explained by gov.uk, the banned number plates aim to prevent drivers from breaking the rules and facing hefty fines up to £1,000 for not meeting the standards. For first-time offenders, a warning gets issued, giving the driver up to 14 days to rectify the issue. Serious offences can lead to the registration being confiscated and, in some worst cases, failing the MOT or even seizing the car.

The DVLA also auctions desirable combinations of numbers and letters that form nicknames, phrases or initials - with the bidding kicking off from £250. This follows anOasis number plategaining popularity in light of the reunion tour.

The DVLA has confirmed it has prohibited a total of 464 combinations from the 75 series.