Car number plates; all cars have one, but what do they actually mean? The combination of numbers and letters is actually pretty important.
In this article, we’ll go through:
- UK number plate rules
- What the letters and numbers mean
- How to buy and register a private number plate
- What you need to do after you’ve got a private number plate
- How private number plates affect your insurance
What are the rules on number plates in the UK?
The rules for both personalised number plates and new number plates are mainly the same. You’ll need to check that the number plate has been registered to the car it’s attached to as they’re used to identify and tax the vehicle. It’s pretty straightforward though. When you buy the vehicle, the number plate comes with it. The only exception to this is when the previous owner wants to keep a personalised number plate. In this situation, you’ll need to make sure the vehicle is registered with a new number plate in its place.
You’ll need to make sure that the number plate is clearly visible too. We’re all guilty of letting our cars get a bit dirty from time to time. But if there’s a lot of mud and dirt covering the number plate, you’ll need to get it cleaned. Or you could end up with a fine of up to £1,000.
There are a few more rules you should be aware of on the government website too. It’s likely that your number plate will meet these, but always make sure that it:
- is made from a reflective material
- displays black characters on a white background (front plate)
- displays black characters on a yellow background (rear plate)
- doesn’t have a background pattern
- is marked to show who supplied the number plate
- is marked with a British Standard number
What do the numbers and letters mean on a number plate?
Each number plate is unique. Those random sets of numbers and letters make a great road-trip anagram game, but they actually hold a lot of important information about the vehicle.
The first two letters detail where the car was registered. The next two numbers show when the car was registered. And those last three letters are randomly generated. Each year a new batch of number plates are registered.
How to buy and register a private number plate
Maybe you’ve already got your dream car or just want something a little more 'you'. If that’s the case, a personalised number plate could be just what you’re after as they can set you apart from the crowd. Lots of people choose a plate that means something to them – for example their birth year or initials.
Getting a private number plate isn’t too difficult. They are sold either directly through the DVLA, or there’s a range of third-party dealer websites you can use.
What do I need to do after I get a private number plate?
Firstly, you should let the DVLA know you're planning on changing the number plates on your car. You just need to let them know the old and new plates.
You’ll also need to let your car insurance provider know that you’ve changed your number plate. You need to do this before you put the new plate on your car.
Does a private number plate affect my insurance?
A private number plate doesn't usually affect your car insurance, but it’s always best to check with your insurer before you get it. They can let you know what else you need to do.
If you have an AXA Car Insurance policy, you can update your new number plate in your online account.
