Ahead of the March 2026 registration change, drivers are being warned to carefully check their brand-new plates after the DVLA blocked more than 400 combinations for being potentially offensive or inappropriate.
Each year, the DVLA removes plates that reference sexual content, crude slang, politics, religion, or wording that could cause offence. But there is another risk drivers often overlook. Incorrect spacing, font, or alignment can also make your plate illegal and motorists could face fines of up to £1,000.
While for most drivers, standard registration numbers will have passed DVLA checks, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is urging motorists to check their plates carefully when collecting a new car.
If you are picking up a ‘26’ plate vehicle, here is what to check before you drive away.
Look closely at both the front and rear plates. Some letters and numbers can resemble words when viewed quickly or spaced incorrectly. Characters must remain in the correct format. You cannot adjust spacing to create words or change the meaning.
Don’t assume everything is automatically compliant. Even if your car arrives brand new and freshly registered, you are still legally responsible for how the registration plate appears on your vehicle. Registration plates must use the correct font and character size. Spacing must follow DVLA rules.
Plates must also display the British Standard mark, currently BS AU 145e, along with the supplier name and postcode. If any of this is missing, the plate does not meet regulations.
Even small changes can break the law. You cannot move characters closer together or further apart to form a name or phrase. Misaligned digits can also cause issues with Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems. That can lead to fines or further enforcement checks.
Plates must remain clearly legible at all times. Dirt, cracks, fading, tinted covers, or decorative bolts can obscure characters. If a camera cannot read your plate properly, you risk a penalty.
If you notice anything that could be considered offensive, misleading, or non-compliant, contact the dealership or the DVLA straight away. Delaying action could result in fines of up to £1,000 and the plate being withdrawn.
“Drivers are responsible for ensuring their registration plates are displayed correctly. Even if a vehicle has just been registered and delivered, the motorist must make sure the plates meet DVLA rules before driving.”
The new ‘26’ registration marks a milestone for many drivers. Take a few minutes to check your plates before you set off. A simple inspection can help you avoid fines, enforcement action, and unnecessary stress.
For more practical driving advice, visit the Nationwide Vehicle Contracts blog.
Originally posted: 23rd February 2026
