The UK Number Plate System Beyond 2050

We Are Confident the DVLA Will Retain the Traditional UK Number Plate System for Another 125 Years

Let’s take a look at how the current structure and some simple adjustments can ensure we have unique identifiers for vehicles far into the future—without resorting to complex or risky technological alternatives. We say risky after the film "Leave the World Behind" depicted 100's of Tesla cars under cyber attack, they were all diverted to one location and crashed into each other. Of course this is just a film!

The Long Life of the Current System: A Look Ahead

1. Current Format: AB51 ABC (two letters, two numbers, space, three letters)
   • Introduced in 2001, this format can last for approximately 25 more years. This combination of letters and numbers provides simplicity, clear visual recognition, and effective identification.
2. Next Potential Format: ABC51 AB (three letters, two numbers, space, two letters)
   • After 25 years, the system could move to a similar structure, “ABC51 AB.” This slight adjustment keeps the familiar design while offering another 50 years of new combinations, all while maintaining security and ease of use.
3. Future Extension: ABC 51AB (three letters, space, two numbers, two letters)
   • If needed, a switch to “ABC 51AB” would provide an additional 50 years, keeping the recognisable UK format while continuing to offer unique vehicle identifiers.

This continuity could offer the UK an additional 125 years of effective vehicle identification. If more combinations were necessary, the DVLA could consider reverting to the earlier format of “ABC 123A,” using any previously scrapped or retired plates.

Considering Alternatives: Why Digital or RFID Plates May Not Be the Best Fit

Although digital and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) based number plates have been explored in other regions, there are significant drawbacks to these high-tech alternatives. Here’s a look at each option and the potential risks:

Option A: Digital Number Plates

Digital number plates replace the traditional format with an electronic display, allowing for customisable messages and remote updates.

• Pros:
  • Instant Updates: Vehicle status (e.g., “stolen”) can be updated in real-time, enhancing communication with the public and law enforcement.
  • Automated Registration Renewals: Owners could renew their plates remotely, streamlining the process.
• Cons:
  • Security Vulnerabilities: Digital plates are susceptible to hacking, as seen in recent trials in California. Hackers gained administrative access, allowing them to track vehicles, change displayed information, and access sensitive owner data, like addresses and vehicle locations.
  • Privacy Risks: Because digital plates are constantly connected, they make it easy to track a vehicle’s movements, raising privacy concerns about constant location monitoring.
  • Increased Costs: Digital plates require substantial infrastructure for maintenance and repair, which could lead to increased costs for both the government and drivers.

Option B: RFID-Tagged Number Plates

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags use a small embedded chip that can be read remotely by a scanner, commonly used in toll systems or fleet tracking.

• Pros:
  • Quick Identification: RFID technology allows for rapid scanning at tolls or checkpoints, streamlining traffic flow without the need for visible alterations.
  • Maintains Visual Consistency: RFID tags are compact and can be embedded within traditional plates, preserving the familiar appearance.
• Cons:
  • Privacy and Security Concerns: RFID tags are passive, meaning anyone with a scanner could read them, making it possible for unauthorized individuals to track vehicles.
  • Potential for Hacking and Cloning: RFID tags can be duplicated or hacked, allowing bad actors to impersonate vehicles or track their locations without permission.
  • Durability Issues: RFID tags are more prone to malfunction due to weather or physical damage, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs and complications in identification.

A Trusted System for the Future

For the UK, it seems clear that the existing system provides the ideal balance of security, privacy, and cost-effectiveness. By sticking with a format that has worked successfully for over a century, the UK can avoid the pitfalls of digital vulnerabilities and privacy concerns, keeping identification simple, effective, and reliable. At CarReg, we are committed to helping drivers find unique and memorable plates that align with a system that has served the country well and promises to do so for many years to come.