The DVLA has withheld 523 new “76” registration combinations before the latest number plates begin appearing on British roads on September 1, 2026, blocking registrations that could be interpreted as offensive, embarrassing or in poor taste.
The list includes crude-looking combinations as well as registrations that could be read as references to violence, weapons, wars, nationalities and other sensitive subjects. Among the most eye-catching examples are SH76 TTY, GO76 WAR, GE76 GUN, GO76 BOM, AS76 FKU and BU76 NOB.
For motorists buying a new car this September, the change does not mean ordinary “76” registrations are being banned. The overwhelming majority will still be issued normally. The DVLA has instead screened out a relatively small number of combinations before they can enter circulation.
Why has the DVLA blocked 523 registrations?
The DVLA reviews forthcoming registration combinations before Britain’s twice-yearly plate changes, ahead of the March and September releases.
The “76” series creates an unusual challenge because the digits can visually resemble letters. A 7 can resemble I, T or A, while a 6 can resemble B or A in some combinations.
That means an otherwise random registration can appear to form crude words, insults, sexual references, political statements or sensitive phrases once displayed on a vehicle.
Which 76 number plates have been banned?
Examples include SH76 TTY, AR76 RSE, EA76 POO, BU76 NOB and AS76 FKU. The list also contains combinations that could be interpreted as references to weapons or violence, including GE76 GUN and GO76 BOM.
Others appear linked to wars, countries or current conflicts, including GO76 WAR, US76 WAR, FK76 UKR and RU76 UKR.
The screening therefore goes beyond obvious swear words. A registration may be withheld if its likely interpretation could cause offence, embarrassment or distress.
When do the new 76 number plates start?
The 76 registration identifier starts on September 1, 2026 and applies to newly registered vehicles until the next plate change in March 2027.
Britain changes its age identifier twice a year. Vehicles first registered from March 2026 carry “26”, while September registrations add 50 to that figure, creating “76”.
A standard UK registration consists of two letters identifying the registration area, two numbers showing when the vehicle was registered and three additional letters.
Can drivers alter the spacing or characters?
No. Even a legally issued registration can become non-compliant if its letters, numbers or spacing are manipulated to create a name or word.
The government’s official number plate guidance says registrations must be displayed correctly and cannot be rearranged or altered so they become difficult to read.
Drivers using incorrectly displayed plates can be fined up to £1,000 and the vehicle can fail its MOT. In some circumstances, the registration can also be permanently withdrawn.
Motorists concerned about compliance can also check the latest DVSA MOT rule changes affecting UK drivers.
What does a legal UK number plate need?
Current rules require reflective plates with black characters on a white background at the front and black characters on a yellow background at the rear.
Plates fitted after September 1, 2021 must meet the BS AU 145e British Standard, and replacement or personalised plates must be made by a registered supplier.
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Separate insurance warning for test drives
The September plate change is also expected to bring more buyers to dealerships and private sellers, creating a separate insurance risk.
Temporary insurer Tempcover has estimated that potentially uninsured test drives could approach two million annually, after estimating around 1.3 million during the September 75-plate period and 1.5 million during the March 26-plate period.
The company has linked part of the increase to used electric-car buyers taking longer drives to test range and battery performance. Its research said EV buyers drove an average of 2.8 miles farther, while 48% visited a public charger during a test drive.
These are company estimates rather than official government figures, but the legal position is clear: drivers must have valid insurance before using a vehicle on a road or in a public place.
Driving without valid insurance can result in a £300 fixed penalty and six penalty points. If the case goes to court, motorists can face an unlimited fine or disqualification.
What drivers should know before September 1
Drivers do not need to replace an existing registration simply because the 76 series is launching. The new identifier only applies to vehicles first registered during the relevant period.
Anyone buying a new or used car should make sure the registration is displayed legally and confirm they have valid insurance before taking a test drive.
The plate change comes amid broader scrutiny of motoring enforcement, with further proposals outlined in the UK road safety strategy and tougher driving rules.
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