March’s new registration plate: Why is it so important?
Twice a year, a new vehicle registration identifier is introduced in the UK. Arriving on March 1 and September 1, these releases bring new registrations to the very latest cars. In March, we’ll see the arrival of the new ‘26’ plate, which you’ll find on our cars here at UK Carline.
But why are new registrations important and what do you need to know about them? Let’s find out.
What do registration numbers mean?
Registration numbers can tell you a lot about a car. If we take the registration ‘LB74 VML’ for example:
The first two letters relate to where in the country this car was registered. So, for this car, ‘LB’ relates to London and specifically the Wimbledon area.
The next two numbers relate to the car’s age and the year it was registered. This car has the latest plate, meaning it was registered in the first half of 2026. In September, the ‘26’ plate will change to ‘76’. This second-half-of-the-year figure is the date of registration plus 50.
The final three letters are randomly assigned, so these don’t give you any information at all.
Why is the introduction of a new registration plate important?
The introduction of a new registration has several key impacts. A new plate is a marker for used car values, with second-hand models on older plates often experiencing a drop in value at the introduction of a new plate. A new plate change is often accompanied by an influx of new stock for dealers and retailers, too.
A lot of drivers simply like having the new plate on the front of their cars, too, while getting a new model on this plate means you’re getting the very latest technology. From large in-car infotainment systems to cutting-edge safety tech, a new-plate car is set to include the best that a car manufacturer has to offer at the time.
How can I make sure I get the very latest plate on my car?
That’s where we can help! We’ll have lots of the latest cars wearing 26 plates come March 1 here at UK Carline, so if you’re dead-set on getting a car with this up-to-date plate, then speak to a member of the team and we’ll be able to make sure that you find the right car (and registration) for you.
Can I still get a green number plate on an EV?
That’s right – if you’re after a new ‘26’ plate and want that green flash, then choose from any of our excellent electric vehicles. Whether it’s the BYD Seal, Kia EV3 or the Skoda Elroq, you’ll be able to get a green-flash number plate.
What are the top cars to get on the new ‘26’ plate?
We’ve got all of the latest cars that you’ll be able to get on the 26 plate, but if you’re struggling to choose, here are some great options.
Chery Tiggo 8
Chery is storming its way into the UK motoring landscape and the Tiggo 8 looks set to be one of its most popular models. It’s a practical seven-seater with room for all of the family, but there’s also plenty of technology on board to keep even the most avid button-presser happy.
Polestar 4
The Polestar 4 has a classic Scandi-cool feel to it and its innovative design has been created to help the car slip through the air as efficiently as possible. The big talking point about the 4? Its lack of a rear window. But don’t panic, a high-definition rear-view camera provides visibility to the rear of the car, and it’s neatly integrated into the traditional rear mirror.
Renault 5
Even though it’s been around for a year, we can’t help but still fall for the Renault 5. A faithful reinterpretation of the iconic original for the modern, electric day, the 5 has loads of character. It’s also good to drive and comes with a surprisingly large boot.
Toyota C-HR+
Toyota has upped its electric game lately with the introduction of the C-HR+. Unlike the regular C-HR, this model is electric-only and comes with a range of up to 376 miles from a single charge. All cars get loads of equipment as standard, too, including 18-inch alloys and a 14-inch infotainment system.
Think you’d like to get in on the new-reg action? Speak to a member of the team here at UK Carline about how we can help to make it happen.
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