UK Number Plates Explained With New '24' Plates Arrive From 1st March

Spring is officially here, and with it comes a new number plate age identifier, in this case ’24’, which is found after the first two characters on the plates of all new cars registered from 1 March 2024. The 24 age identifier will adorn all new cars until the ’74’ plate arrives on 1 September this year. As such, March’s 24 number plates replace the 73 plates which arrived in September 2023.

With our Startin Guide, we will take a look further into how Number Plates work.

Understanding UK Number Plates:

Even if you’re not fussed about having the latest plate, it’s worth being familiar with the ins and outs of the UK’s number plate system. That’s mainly because it’s important to stick to the rules regarding number-plate fonts, layouts, colours, and placements, with big fines potentially lurking around the corner for those who unwittingly break the rules.

UK number plates serve not only as a means of identification for vehicles but also as a reflection of the country's rich motoring heritage. The format of these number plates has remained consistent over the years, with each plate consisting of seven characters arranged in a specific pattern.

The first two letters of the plate indicate the region where the vehicle was registered, followed by two numbers denoting the year of registration. The subsequent three letters are random and unique to each vehicle. This system enables authorities to trace vehicles easily and ensures clarity in identifying them.

How do UK vehicle number plates work?

The 73 number plates were introduced in September 2023 and serve as the date indicator for vehicles registered between 1st September 2023 and the end of February 2024. From 1st March to the end of August 2024, the registration plates switch to 24.

These digits are located as the third and fourth characters on a plate and are part of three essential components that constitute a standard UK registration plate. These components consist of:

• Two letters indicating the region where the vehicle was registered.
• Two numbers indicating the registration date of the vehicle.
• A series of three randomly assigned letters.

You can see how this will pan out until 2027 in the table below:

March is an important month for the car industry, as it marks the beginning of a new registration period for new cars. This means that all new cars registered from 1st March onwards will be given a 24 plate. This has a significant impact on the used car market.

When people buy new cars, they often trade in their old ones. This means that there will be a lot of used cars available for purchase, which can drive down prices. If you're in the market for a used car, this can be a great time to buy, as you may be able to find a bargain. Why not take a look at our range of Used Cars in stock HERE.

As we prepare to welcome the '24' plates on our roads, it's essential to appreciate the significance of these seemingly mundane elements of vehicle design. UK number plates not only serve as identifiers but also encapsulate the nation's motoring culture and heritage.

Whether it's the thrill of acquiring a new plate or the nostalgia of retaining an old one, these symbols connect us to our vehicles and the roads we travel.