Overview

• England, Scotland and Wales will begin issuing the '75' age identifier on new registrations from September 1 under the routine six‑month cycle.
• DVLA guidance stresses plates must be reflective, show black characters on white at the front and yellow at the rear, and carry the supplier’s mark and British Standard code BS AU 145e for plates fitted after Sept. 1, 2021.
• Characters must not be removable or reflective, and for plates fitted after Sept. 1, 2021 they must be a single shade of black.
• Non‑compliant plates risk an MOT failure and a fine of up to £1,000 for incorrectly displayed registrations.
• Industry experts, including The Motor Ombudsman’s Bill Fennell, advise prospective buyers to budget for total ownership costs such as tax, insurance, fuel or charging, servicing and future MOTs.