Changes to car number plates coming into force from next month – and bargains could be had

Changes to car number plates are to be introduced in a matter of weeks.

The new rules could result in car price fluctuations as plates will now need to meet the new British Standards for Retroreflective Number Plates.

From March 1, 2022, new cars will be registered with a plate featuring a new “22” registration tag.

The next release will then come in September this year with a new “72” plate applying to new vehicles until February 28, 2023 – reports The Express.

The new – “BS AU 145e” – standard plates will incorporate changes made in 2021.

The changes mean that plates are now to be made from a tougher material which makes them more resistant to abrasion and other damage.

BRISTOL, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 28: A new car for sale on a forecourt in Bristol waits to be issued with a new 09 registration number plates on February 28 2009 in Bristol, England. Car dealers across the UK are hoping the new 09 registration mark - which is introduced this weekend - will be seen on more new cars than the 58 registration mark it replaces. New UK car registrations (which in Britain have a change of mark twice a year) plunged 30.9 percent in January 2009 compared with January 2008, the worst performance for that month since 1974 - putting further pressure on the government to help stimulate consumer demand and help struggling domestic car makers. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) — New number plate rules come into force from March, 1, 2022
(Image: Getty)

Number plates can now only display solid black lettering as two-tone plates that used different shades to create a 3D or 4D effect have been banned.

The lettering can still be Perspex or acrylic lettering, provided it meets all other requirements.

This change was made to make it easier for Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to read the plate.

The new number plates will also have to include the supplier’s business name and postcode, along with the name of the number plate manufacturer and the new standard.

Drivers are being warned that the number plate changes could lead to rising and falling prices in the car market.

If a motorist wants to buy a car with the latest number plate, they should arrange to wait until March for the new car to be registered and delivered.

Some people may avoid getting a car with a new number plate and could get themselves a bargain.

Sometimes, car dealerships will get rid of old stock at discounted prices in February and August.

This comes as data from AA Financial Services found that more than one in three drivers plan on changing their car this year.

Less than half of those surveyed said they would prefer to buy a car by paying the full asking price, instead of opting for shorter-term finance solutions.

James Fairclough, CEO of AA Financial Services, commented on the car market in 2022.

He said: “The promise of fresh car demand in 2022 is welcome news, following a challenging year for the car industry.

“The impact of Covid and the global shortage of semi-conductors has seriously impacted new car registrations this year, pushing up demand for used cars.

“Previous AA research suggested that values of some used cars have risen by up to 57 percent.

“What we expect to see in 2022 is the second-hand market benefitting from resurgent car demand.

“We also believe the way people pay for their cars will change and diversify.

“The economic uncertainty of Covid and the transition to electric cars will continue to influence drivers until the traditional notion of paying full-price for a car and keeping it for as long as possible is something for the history books.”

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