New 74 Car Number Plates Registration in the UK: Key Information You Should Know

Keeping pace with the UK number plates can be daunting with the ever-changing regulations and formats being introduced every March and September. So, with the introduction of the 74 number plate into the market in September 2024, you must understand what this means for you and how these changes impact you. Whether you’re buying a new car or just looking for a better understanding of the system, this article guides you through how UK number plates work, registration rules for new number plates, number plate registration years chart, etc.

What is the September 2024 New Number Plate?

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK will release new registration numbers for cars every March and September. The new 74 number plate will be issued to cars that are registered from September 1, 2024, down to the end of February next year, i.e., March 1, 2025.

This 74 number plate in the UK will replace the existing 24 number plate that was launched into the market in March 2024 and remained as the date indicator for all vehicles registered between March 1, 2024, and August 31, 2024. This car number plates change is because the UK performs twice-a-year update of new number plates to easily identify the age and period of the vehicle.

When will the 2024 Car Registration Plates Be Released?

When do new number plates come out? If you are looking for an answer to this question, we are here to help you out.

New car registration plates were officially released on March 1, 2024, for 24 series and from September 1, 2024, the new 74 number plate will become available for use. From then on, this new number will be used for all newly registered cars. It will come in handy for new buyers looking to buy a new vehicle, as many choose to wait for a new plate to ensure that they get the newest registration.

How Do UK Number Plates Work?

The UK's DVLA changes the car number plate format twice-a-year since 1999. Likewise, the representation of two letter area codes followed has been kicked off since 2001. The number plate has brought a defined UK format. Their current system follows:

• Two letters: These represent the area comes for that region.
• Two digits/Two numerals: It indicates the age of the vehicle based on the year of registration.
• Three letters: Alphabetic codes randomly assigned to identify vehicles.

For example, the number plate pattern with all new 74 number plate will appear like AB74 CDE. Here "AB" represents locality, "74" year of registration, and "CDE" unique to that vehicle.

Number Plate Registration Years Chart

The UK has a registration plate system that indicates the age of the vehicle. The current format of the UK number plate system has two letters to indicate the local area and two numbers that represent the year of registration.

For instance, vehicles registered between March and August carry the 74 codes for the year, while those registered between September and February carry the next year's code, i.e., 25. The system counts cycles every six months with the registration of new codes that arise in March and September. This has presented an extremely straightforward way to easily tell how old a vehicle is from its registration number UK.

The below table helps you to demonstrate how the registration system in the UK progresses each year and help you for easy identification of vehicle age.

Vehicle Registration Rules In the United Kingdom for Number Plates

UK vehicle registration rules for number plates strictly adhere to rules, and among these are the following:

• The number plate material used to be made reflective.
• Characters must use Charles Wright font style in specified font size, such as 79mm and 50mm wide, except for the digit-1 and letter-l.
• Letters on the number plate must be maintained at 14 mm thickness.
• There must be 11mm space between any two letters.
• The horizontal gap between the age identifier (i.e., 24 or 74) and the unique vehicle numbers should be exactly 33mm, whereas the vertical should be nearly 19mm
• The number plates should display a British flag and other symbols if any

Also, for cars that were manufactured on or after 1 January 1973, they must have a front registration plate with a white background, and the back registration plate must be coated with a yellow background. Failure to comply with these vehicle number plate regulations can incur penalties, so it’s essential for owners to be aware of the rules.

Where Was My Car Registered?

Would you like to know where your car was registered in the UK. It’s simple. As we just discussed in the number plate pattern section, the first two letters of your number plate tell you where your car was registered. The idea is that each letter refers to some geographic area, so for example:

• AB - London
• XY - Manchester

You can contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency for registration details, or alternatively get them online.

What is a Green Number Plate?

The new UK initiative for identifying electric vehicles, or EVs, is the green number plate. The plates come with a green background, indicating that the respective vehicle produces zero emissions. This helps to encourage environmentally friendly transport options and may also qualify for a range of incentives, including low taxes and permits to access restricted areas.

What is a Private Number Plate?

A private number plate will have a customized registration number which can be bought and owned by individuals. Such plates can be unique combinations of letters and numbers that reflect a name, a date, or a memorable word. Private plates are usually an expensive investment, depending on their attractiveness and uniqueness, and can be transferred between vehicles.

What are the Upcoming Number Plates?

UK number plates are being released every six months since 1999. These come out changing the new plates every March and September yearly. There are two letters, which usually appear on the plate to represent the area in which the car has been registered, and two numbers appearing on the plate to represent the year of registration.

Followed by a 74 number plate release in the UK on September 1, 2024, an all-new 25-number plate will be ready for roll-out on March 1, 2025. From there, the pattern continues with the 75-plate set for September 2025, followed by 26 plate numbers for March 2026.

Are There Any Banned Number Plates?

Yes, the UK's DVLA has banned many potentially offensive plates and politically sensitive number plates. The combination of specific letters and numbers is prohibited on UK number plates, which are considered offending, racist, or offensive in nature. The DVLA has a list of banned registrations, and before buying a private number plate, one needs to check whether it appears there or not.

Also Read: How to change address in DVLA?

Here is a banned series of 24 number plates:

• Banned 24 series Number Plates

BA24 TAD, TO24 ERS, EU24 SHT, BA24 TDS, LE24 ZER, EU24 OFF, and NO24 COP, etc.

• Banned 74 Series Number Plates

NO74 RUS, MU74 DER, EU74 WAR, FK74 RUS, etc.

Further, some styles, such as 3D printed and glittery letters, are also illegal to use on the vehicle number plate among them.

Should I Wait Until a New Plate is Released Before I Buy a Car?

This will depend much on the individual's preference. Many buyers want to purchase a vehicle with the latest registration for ultimate resale and an improved look. However, if you have already identified a good car that suits your needs and is affordable, then buying it without the new plate usually wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Number Plate Formats for Cars Registered Before 2001

UK number plates had a different format style before adopting the current format style in 2001, namely:

• Prefix Format as shown: A123 ABC. Adopted from 1983.
• Suffix Format as shown: ABC 123A. Used between 1963 and 1983.
• Old Style before 1963: ABC 123.

The suffix number plate system was replaced by the prefix system adopted in 1983, whereby a letter for the year was followed by up to three digits and up to three alphabets, A123 ABC. All the above formats reflect the registration system that existed during this era before the introduction of the current alphanumeric system that has been implemented since the year 2001.

Unlike the current twice-a-year number plate pattern change, number plates used to alter only one time for the vehicles registered during 1983 to 2001. Understanding the formats is useful for making an educated estimate about the age of a more vintage car.

UK Number Plates FAQs

Here are a few frequently asked questions on UK number plates.

1. How much are new number plates?

The cost of new number plates depends on the style and the dealer. Standard number plates costs fall between £20 to £50, while private plates can be in thousands.

2. Can I order new number plates online?

Yes, some suppliers allow ordering new number plates online but ensure that they are DVLA-approved to guarantee regulatory compliance.

3. What do I do if I lose my number plate?

If your number plate is lost or stolen, you must report it to the DVLA and the police in your area of residence. You may be required to obtain a replacement plate.

4. Can I change my number plate?

Yes, you can change it into a personal plate or into any other registration. You should adhere to the guidelines at the DVLA concerning the transfer process.

Conclusion

Understanding the UK number plates is paramount for car owners and buyers. Many are waiting for the 74-registration number mark which launched in September 2024. This article would appear to be an excellent opportunity for you to delve into the rule and regulation framework surrounding the number plates in the UK. Whether you are buying a new car, getting a private number, or just looking to get onboard the information, staying updated with the DVLA system will enhance your experience as a car owner.