Full list of number plates banned from the DVLA in 2025 and the reason why

Every six months, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) reveals what is considered too much for the roads.

This year the list includes combinations such as AR25 HOL, TE25 ROR and TO25 POT – and that is just some of the least offensive ones.

The list also features combinations that refer to Russia and Ukraine, while last year’s September ban struck off plates such as NO74 LEZ referring to anti-Ulez messaging.

Why are some number plates banned?

DVLA reviews every year what references could offend or provoke the public, but they also consider ongoing current affairs such as the Russia-Ukraine war.

Witty drivers might try to get around the rules by combining letters and numbers in imaginative ways, but DVLA has taken most combinations into account.

The first batch of this year’s banned number plates comes out today and features ’25’ for 2025.

The second batch will be revealed in September and the plates will have 75, which comes from 50 plus this year’s number (25).

This year, the ‘5’ in ’25’ could be used to make letter S.

All number plates banned in March 2025

Combinations **25 RUS and **UKR referring to the Russia-Ukraine war are banned along with other political references.

Other banned combinations include YE25 WAR, YS25 DTH, PE25 RVT and GB25 SHT.

Drivers who are not displaying their number plate correctly or if it is obscured, altered or illegally rearranged could land with a £1,000 fine.

A DVLA spokesperson told Metro previously: ‘The vast majority of registration numbers are made available, but DVLA holds back any combinations that may cause offence, embarrassment or are in poor taste.’

So , the goal is to create a ‘respectful driving environment’ while allowing drivers to show their flare, experts from BigWantsYourCar.com said.

‘Personalised plates are great for drivers to show off who they are, but it’s important to be creative and respectful. The DVLA keeps offensive plates off the road to make sure things stay safe and comfortable for everyone,’ a spokesperson explained.

They said this year’s decision to ban references to Russia and Ukraine ‘makes sense’ as it could be ‘upsetting to people, especially those who have been affected by the fighting.’