You may well have seen some strange and unusual number plates when out and about, but, despite what you may think, registrations have to undergo a thorough screening process before being signed off as roadworthy.
Indeed, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has now unveiled a list of banned number plates that have been deemed too rude or controversial for road users.
Even if these plates were given the okay, it's more than likely you wouldn't want your vehicle to bear such shockingly outrageous combinations as 'AS73 HOL', 'BU73 SHT', and 'EA73 DCK'.
Unfortunate combos such as 'BE73 END' and 'SH73 TER' aren't much better, and would probably see drivers being honked at a fair bit should they ever be given the green light.
Twice a year, ahead of new plate format releases, the DVLA holds meetings to make sure all combinations are fit for members of the public to see.
Plates will end up on the suppressed list if it's thought they "may cause offence, embarrassment or are in poor taste", and, although the vast majority will be deemed perfectly fine, some will fall far short of the standard required.
Auto Express reports that a freedom of information enquiry has now revealed the full list of 'banned 73 plates', ahead of a new registration release in September.
Some - like 'BO73 LOX', 'EA73 POO', and 'TT73 TTS' - are of course extremely rude, while other combinations send out the wrong message entirely.
It's unlikely for example that you'll want your fellow drivers to judge you based on a plate that reads, 'FA73 NOB', 'GB73 MOB', or 'PE73 RVT'.
Jon Kirkbright, number plate expert and sales director at Platehunter, told the Bury Times: "With so many plates being released at once, it is no surprise that some of them are not fit for the road.
"However, some of them are borderline but I understand why the DVLA chose to be extra cautious. They are simply trying to protect what is a very significant source of revenue for them."
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