2023 UK Number Plates Explained

Decoding UK Registration Plates: What Do They Mean in 2023?

As we welcome the approach of spring, the beginning of March 2023 signals the debut of the new vehicle registration plate, featuring the number '23' as its age identifier. This two-digit code will appear after the first two characters on the UK number plate, serving as a distinction for the latest cars on the market - at least until the next age identifier, '73', is introduced on September 1st, 2023.

What do UK number plates signify?

Replacing the previous 72 plate that was launched in September 2022, the 23 plate may not be of interest to everyone, but it is still beneficial to understand the fundamentals of the UK's number plate system. Familiarity with the rules regarding font, layout, colour, and positioning of number plates is vital, as unknowingly breaking them could lead to significant fines.

The latest plate, known as the 72 plate, was introduced in September 2022. However, this is expected to soon be replaced by the 23 plate, which will serve as the date indicator for all newly registered vehicles between March 1 and September 1, 2023. The third and fourth characters on a license plate are the digits that indicate the year of registration. This is one of three parts that make up a standard UK license plate. These components include two letters representing the area where the vehicle was registered, two numbers representing the year of registration, and a set of three randomly generated letters.

The letters below indicate the area the vehicle was first registered.

·        AA-AY = Anglia

·        BA-BY = Birmingham

·        CA-CY = Cymru (Wales)

·        DA-DY = Deeside to Shrewsbury

·        EA-EY = Essex

·        FA-FY = Forest and Fens

·        GA-GY = Garden of England

·        HA-HY = Hampshire and Dorset

·        HW = Isle of Wight

·        KA-KY = Borehamwood and Northampton

·        LA-LY = London

·        MA-MY = Manchester and Merseyside

·        NA-NY = North

·        OA-OY = Oxford

·        PA-PY = Preston

·        RA-RY = Reading

·        SA-SY = Scotland

·        VA-VY = Severn Valley

·        WA-WY = West of England

·        YA-YB = Yorkshire

Number Plate rules

The current scheme will see the arrival of 23-plate cars from the 1st of March and 73-plate cars from the 1st of September 2023. UK Regulations for license plates state that vehicles manufactured after the 1st of January, 1973 must have a white background on the front plate and a yellow background on the rear plate. There are strict rules governing the size and spacing of characters on the plate, including the stroke thickness and the distances between the letters and numbers. The Charles Wright font has been used on plates since 2001. Additionally, a green number plate with a green flash on the left-hand side of the plate can be chosen for fully electric or hydrogen fuel cell cars purchased after December 8th, 2020. The green flash indicates the car's zero tailpipe emissions, and although the feature is currently only cosmetic, it may provide EV privileges in the future. While it is possible to buy "show plates" with a green flash, putting green plates on non-eligible petrol and diesel cars will not yield any real benefits.

Can I order a car with a 23-plate today?

Starting from March 1st, 2023, you can drive off in your brand new car with the latest 23-plates from Sandicliffe dealership near you. Our extensive selection of new Ford, Nissan and Mazda vehicles ensures that you can easily find the perfect car for you.

To be among the first to hit the road with the new 2023 plates, it's best to pre-order your new car today, considering delivery times. However, if you're not too concerned about the latest plates, we also have an excellent range of nearly-new and used cars to choose from.

Don't miss out on the chance to own your brand-new 23-plate vehicle. Browse through our latest offers and secure your purchase today!