Confused Over Current Style Number Plates?

Around three-quarters of us still don’t understand the new car registration plate system, according to a survey by Post Office car insurance. 27 per cent of those questioned, mistakenly thought that new numbers being introduced on 1 September 2005 would be 05 when they will actually be 55. A further 45 per cent did not know what the new numbers would be at all, while a quarter thought the two letters at the beginning of the plate referred to the area in which the driver lived. Some people even thought the two letters represented the driver's initials or the make of the vehicle. Women were more confused about the plates than men, with 81 per cent of females confused by the new format.

Post Office car insurance head Claire Oldstein said: "It's been four years since the current number plate format was introduced and still only a quarter of people actually understand what the letters and numbers on registration plates mean.

Jane Inglefield, of Smith Knight Fay Audi dealership in Stockport, believes most customers do understand the new number plate system but there is less clamour for new cars at a single point of the year because they are now issued twice a year instead of once.

She said: "People who change their cars often will understand the plates, but people who have had the same car for some years might have some difficulty.

"Customers are still excited about the new registrations when they come out and we have been busier every year since 2001 when the changes were introduced."

So are you still confused by the current style number plates? We found a good explanation of them here.

Comments

[Andrew Cowling]

Where does the first 2 prefix letters NX on the new style plates originate from ?

[Paolo]

I think the initials NX were issued for circulation on cars in Stockton.

[Barry Prater]

I have seen cars with new style number plates starting with the letters J and T, but all the lists from DVLA say that these letters are not used. Where do they come from?

[Stuart Coster]

That blue with yellow stars European Union symbol that's appearing more often on plates is pure political propaganda. How many people really want controversial political symbols on their car, attracting the attention of campaigners with strongly held views one way or another? No thanks.

It's propaganda because it's not necessary - only 'GB' must be shown on your car if driving abroad. It's also little known that you can have a national symbol instead like the GB flag, Scottish or Welsh flags. Far less controversial. But no other symbols (like car or football club emblems) are allowed.

[david harris]

i have just been pulled in my car over my registration, is there any one that can shed some light on my anger at the police.

[Ade]

I'm in the business of selling cars for a living, for the rest of 2006 anyway, and I don't think it matters to the average motorist.

Plate change months are by far the busiest in terms of sales and market share for car manufacturers. As long as people keep buying (in retail sales they are not) no one really cares.

A 56 plate will have a lower residual value than the Mar 07. Buyers should make that their priority when considering a purchase.