Cracking the Code Demystifying Area Identifiers on UK Number Plates
Reg Plates ArticleCracking the Code Demystifying Area Identifiers on UK Number Plates
![Cracking the Code Demystifying Area Identifiers on UK Number Plates](/reg-plates-articles-storage/images/15.webp)
Ever driven behind a car and wondered where it hailed from? In the UK, the answer might be hiding right on its number plate. Those first two seemingly random letters hold a secret: the area identifier, a code revealing the vehicle's registration region.
But how do you crack this code? Buckle up, as we take a deep dive into the world of UK number plate area identifiers!
From Past to Present: A Shifting Landscape
Before 2001, UK number plates used a different system. The first letter denoted the year of registration, while the last two identified the area. So, an "A123 ABC" plate meant the car was registered in 1961 (A) and somewhere in Anglia (BC). This "prefix" format, as it's called, gave way to the current "suffix" system in 2001.
Today's plates follow a "AA 12 ABX" format. The crucial part for our detective work is the first two letters, the area identifier. These no longer directly link to registration offices (since they closed in 2013), but still pinpoint the general region where the car was first registered.
Memory Tags: A Mnemonic Marvel
The two-letter identifiers are often referred to as "memory tags" by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). They're chosen to be somewhat mnemonic, using the first letter of the region's name or a nearby landmark.
For example, "LT" stands for London Taxi, a fitting tribute to the city's iconic cabs. Similarly, "BY" represents Blackpool, while "KO" whispers of Kent.
Navigating the Maze: A Regional Rundown
With 67 different memory tags in use, mastering the map is key. Thankfully, some patterns emerge:
England: Most English regions use a single letter as the first identifier, like "B" for Birmingham, "S" for Sheffield, and "M" for Manchester.
Scotland: Scottish identifiers typically start with "S," followed by another letter denoting the specific area, like "SN" for Stirling and "ST" for Strathclyde.
Wales: Welsh tags usually begin with "W," followed by another letter, like "WX" for Wrexham and "WY" for Wrexham and Chester.
Northern Ireland: Northern Irish plates use a different format altogether, with a three-letter code like "NIY" for Newry and "WIR" for Omagh.
Beyond the Basics: Unraveling the Mysteries
While most tags stick to the patterns, some throw curveballs. "BJ" doesn't stand for Birmingham-Jersey (though that would be a cool ferry!), but rather Bournemouth and Poole. And "AI" isn't Artificial Intelligence, but Aberdeen and Inverness.
To truly master the art of plate-reading, arm yourself with resources like the DVLA's official list of area identifiers or handy online decoders.
More Than Just Geography: A Fun Fact Fiesta
Area identifiers aren't just about location; they can be a source of fun facts and trivia too!
Did you know "SY" originally stood for Shrewsbury, but was later changed to "Shropshire" due to complaints from Telford, which felt left out?
Or that "AO" was briefly used for Aberdeen and Orkney, but scrapped because it looked too similar to "BO"?
These quirky stories add a layer of human interest to the seemingly mundane world of number plates.
So, the next time you're stuck in traffic, don't just zone out. Take a closer look at those license plates. With a little knowledge, you might just crack the code and discover the fascinating tales hidden within!
So, you’ve decided that want to enrich your life and enhance your car, van or motorcycle by investing in a personalised number plate. Perhaps you want to make a classic car look more authentic, or you want to show off your name or hobby to the world. You may want to promote your business with a relevant private plate, or invest in a plate that will grow in value over time.
Whatever your reasoning, your decision to buy a personalised number plate is a sound one. Many of our customers have found a private number plate to be a wise investment, and they certainly enhance the look of any vehicle when the owner wants to stand out from the crowd.
But how do you go about finding the right number plate for your needs? It can feel a little overwhelming to be faced with so many number plate possibilities, so we have come up with a 5 step guide to help you to discover the best plate for your requirements
![MIRAD and CN Guild Members](/assets/images/mirad-clear.webp)
![PCI DSS Compliance](/assets/images/pci-dss-compliant-logo-web.webp)
- FREE TRANSFER SERVICE - your paperwork is handled by our trained team
- OVER 30 YEARS EXPERTISE - long established and trusted company
- DVLA RECOGNISED RESELLER - linked directly from the DVLA website
- TRADE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS - MIRAD and CN Guild members
![Customer Feedback Customer Feedback](/assets/images/customer-feedback.webp)
![Certified Secure Ordering](/assets/images/certified-secure.webp)