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DVLA Blocks Hundreds of '26' Number Plates Ahead of 2026 Release

The agency says combinations tied to sex, violence or sensitive politics will not be offered, with motorists warned of fines up to £1,000 for illegal plates.

Overview

  • The DVLA has disclosed the 2026 “26” registrations it will withhold, removing combinations it deems offensive or inappropriate.
  • A Regtransfers Freedom of Information request indicates more than 400 combinations are blocked, continuing the practice of barring hundreds each release.
  • Examples on the list reference conflict zones such as Gaza, Russia and Yemen, and include words like “bomb,” “mugger” and explicit sexual terms.
  • The twice-yearly review screens out insults, swear words, sexual or drug references, and politically or religiously sensitive phrases.
  • Drivers risk fines up to £1,000 for illegal plates, must adhere to strict font and spacing rules, and plates can be revoked in rare cases if later judged problematic.