Hundreds of number plate combinations have been banned for being too rude for UK roads.
The DVLA has already blocked a range of plates for a variety of reasons, including resemblance to swear words and sexual references.
The DVLA reviews and removes combinations that could cause offence, embarrassment or controversy before they become available.
A spokesman for BigWantsYourCar.com said: "It’s easy to forget how many new number plate combinations are generated every year, but some of them accidentally form offensive or inappropriate words.
"The DVLA screens these out before they ever reach the roads to avoid complaints, reputational issues, and to protect future resale value."
Every March and September, the DVLA releases a new batch of number plates.
From this month, all newly registered cars will carry the ‘75’ plate.
The UK number plate system was introduced in 2001 and is expected to remain in use until at least 2050.
The system uses the first two letters to show the region of registration, two numbers to indicate the date, and three randomly generated letters.
Plates that resemble swear words, sexual references, discriminatory language, or politically sensitive terms are automatically flagged and removed.
Some of the banned ‘75’ plate combinations include BA75 ARD, OR75 GY, and SH75 TTY.
In rare cases, the DVLA can revoke a number plate after it has been issued if it later becomes problematic.
Personalised number plates remain popular and can be purchased directly from the DVLA or through auctions.
However, all personalised plates must comply with the same rules and cannot make a vehicle appear newer than it is.
Experts at BigWantsYourCar.com added: "Private plates remain popular with drivers looking to add a bit of personality to their vehicle."
"But even cheeky combinations won’t get through if they cross the line."
Is your number plate legal?
These are the rules you should be aware of around licence plates from the DVLA.
The number plates on your vehicle must:
- be made from a reflective material
- display black characters on a white background (front plate)
- display black characters on a yellow background (rear plate)
- not have a background pattern
- be marked to show who supplied the number plate
- be marked with a British Standard number - this is ‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after 1 September 2021
The characters must not be removable or reflective. If your number plates were fitted after 1 September 2021, they must also be a single shade of black.
Your number plates can also:
- have 3D (raised) characters
- display certain flags, symbols and identifiers
- display a green flash, if you have a zero-emission vehicle
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