**Motorists Urged to Act Fast to Avoid Potential Losses as New Registration Plates Loom**
Vehicle owners across the UK are being encouraged to consider selling their cars before the end of August to sidestep a potential drop in value, as the launch of new ‘75’ registration plates in early September is expected to shake up the market. Industry specialists suggest that the period immediately ahead of this number plate change can yield the highest returns for those looking to part with their vehicles.
Motorpoint, a prominent name in the automotive sector, has issued advice warning that with the arrival of fresh ‘75’ plates on 1 September, used vehicle prices could experience a noticeable decline. As the showroom floors fill with newly registered cars, used models may face reduced demand, resulting in lower prices for sellers.
Tim Rodie, a driving authority at Motorpoint, elaborated on the situation, noting, “The number plate change in September is a well-known influence on car prices, though many drivers may not realise how significantly it can affect the value of their current vehicle. The real impact doesn’t stem directly from the plates themselves but from the sudden influx of shiny new models hitting the market all at once.” Rodie warned that this increased competition often leads to a dip in second-hand values.
For those contemplating a sale, the advice is clear: the weeks before September present an ideal window. “If someone is planning to sell, acting before 1 September is strongly advised. Waiting until after the new registrations are released could mean receiving considerably less for your vehicle,” Rodie commented.
The changing of registration plates is a twice-yearly tradition in the UK, first implemented in 2001. Plates are updated each March and September to help easily identify a car’s age, with the new identifiers triggering shifts both in buyer interest and market prices. Buyers are often drawn to cars carrying the newest registrations, which in turn makes older plates—and the vehicles bearing them—less attractive to potential purchasers.
Among the most important aspects of the number plate, according to Rodie, are the two centre numerals. “To gauge the age of a car, focus on the two numbers in the middle of the plate. Those registered between March and August display the current year, ending with ‘25’ in this case. From September onwards, vehicles get the year plus 50, hence ‘75’ this autumn.” The introduction of a new plate immediately places older models at a disadvantage, depreciating their perceived value.
This biannual rhythm has significant implications for car owners, especially those hoping to maximise their returns on resale. According to industry analysts, keeping an eye on upcoming number plate changes and timing a sale accordingly could prove to be one of the simplest yet most effective strategies for getting the best price.
While the attention surrounding new-plate season may seem rooted in tradition, its effects on the motoring economy are tangible. Not only do buyers and sellers adjust their activity around these key dates, but entire sections of the used car market experience a pricing shake-up as stock levels and consumer preferences readjust.
It’s a reminder to motorists that the age of a vehicle is not merely a detail—it can have a direct impact on its value. Those considering an upgrade or a change should weigh up their options quickly, in order not to miss out on a potentially more favourable deal.
As September approaches, the message from experts remains consistent: act now if you want to make the most out of your current car, as the annual market realignment triggered by new registration plates is unlikely to wait for anyone.