25 number plate changes: UK registration plates banned by DVLA in March for being too rude, including TO25 ERR

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Published 28th Feb 2025, 15:45 BST

Updated 28th Feb 2025, 15:46 BST

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Some ‘25’ plates can’t make it to the road... we’re looking at you, WA25 TED 🚫

The new ‘25’ registration plates launch on March 1, but some have been banned for being rude, offensive, or inappropriate
The DVLA regularly blocks plates referencing crime, politics, religion, or anything deemed embarrassing
This year, the number ‘25’ has caused issues due to its resemblance to ‘SS,’ leading to several blacklisted plates
Sensitive topics, including the Ukraine war, have also been banned, with plates like ‘25 RUS’ and ‘MG25 WAR’ removed
Meanwhile, desirable plates featuring popular initials and nicknames will be auctioned, with bidding starting at £250

New ‘25’ registration plates are launching for drivers tomorrow (March 1), though not all of them will hit the roads - some are simply too rude, offensive, or embarrassing.

Online car marketplace Carwow has revealed the latest DVLA-banned number plates, including ‘TO25 ERR’ and ‘AS25 HOL,’ which have been blacklisted this year.

Twice a year, in March and September, the DVLA releases a list of banned number plates, blocking any that reference crime, racism, politics, religion, or anything deemed rude, inappropriate, or potentially embarrassing.

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This time, the number ‘25’ is causing many of the issues, with its resemblance to ‘SS’ leading to plates like ‘TO25 ERR’ and ‘AS25 HOL’ - if you were hoping to showcase your love for a wild night out, you’ll also have to cross ‘WA25 TED’ off your list.

Sensitive topics are also being excluded. Plates linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine, such as ‘25 RUS’ and ‘25 UKR,’ won’t be allowed, and even the word ‘war’ has been banned from combinations like ‘MG25 WAR’ and ‘NF25 WAR.’

(Images: Getty Images/Carwow) — (Images: Getty Images/Carwow) | Getty Images/Carwow

(Images: Getty Images/Carwow) — (Images: Getty Images/Carwow) | Getty Images/Carwow

The full list of banned ’25’ plates:

WARNING: contains content that some readers may find tittersome

Iain Reid, Head of Editorial at Carwow, said: “The twice-yearly plate-change always sparks some interest in the new car market, as car buyers get a kick out of having a new number plate and many are willing to wait for one.

“Many drivers go one step further to express themselves with a personalised plate, but it’s important to ensure not to cause offence.”

In the registrations, the asterisk (*) is a "wildcard" character that stands for any character that may appear in that position.

How can I get the numberplate I want?

On the flipside, while the DVLA bans offensive plates, they also highlight desirable ones - combinations that car buyers might pay extra for, including popular nicknames and initials.

These sought-after plates will be available at the next DVLA auction, running from Wednesday, March 19 to Tuesday, March 25, with bidding starting at £250.

What do you think of the latest banned plates? Do you agree with the DVLA's decisions, or do you think some of these plates should be allowed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

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