DVLA is set to release a brand new batch of number plates next week which will impact thousands of drivers.
From September 1, all newly registered cars will receive a new 72 plate instead of the 22 plate that was issued back in March last year.
This change happens twice a year and is used as a quick way to determine how old a vehicle is.
From next month, all new vehicles registered must display the number '72' on their plates. This will be the case until March next year, when the number will change again to 23.
Why do number plates change?
Having the correct vehicle registration number on your plate is is part of the law.
The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations govern how number plates should be designed. They change every six months so that it's easier to identify the age of a vehicle.
The change occurs on March 1 and September 1 for newly manufactured vehicles, and they are brought in to reflect the new year.
New vehicles registered between 1 March and 31 August are currently allocated a ‘22’ registration plate and those registered between 1 September 2022 and 28 February 2023 will be allocated a ‘72’ registration plate.
This system has been in place since September 2001. It's good news if you're looking to buy a car, because many dealerships will be eager to sell their old stock before the new number plates are issued.
What happens if my number plate doesn't follow the rules?
It is an offence to drive with a number plate that doesn't follow the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations.
Your number plate must correctly show the registration number, and it can't be changed or altered.
It's also forbidden to alter your number plate to make it appear younger than it really is.
Another law that came into force earlier this year was related to the lettering on number plates.
3D lettering was banned, with only solid black lettering allowed. This was done in order to assist Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras in verifying registration plates on the roads.
The new number plates also had to include the supplier’s business name and postcode, along with the name of the number plate manufacturer and the new standard.
So, if you're in the market for a brand new car next month, be sure to check that the number plate fully complies with these rules.
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