this post was submitted on 22 Apr 2025
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Mildly Interesting

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Just changing to a new numbering system when they run out.

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 months ago (11 children)

Or put the letters and numerals in set spots, ex. ABC-123, next move onto 123-ABC once you’re done with the first bazillion combinations , AB3-12C, etc.

That way you can tell your 1 isn’t an I because it’s not in the right spot.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago (3 children)

UK includes the year in it, so it shouldn't ever really run out. Ok I guess eventually it will loop but I expect most will be available for reuse by then.

One issue could be if more cars are registered than the digits would make available for that year but you would probably just design it in a way there is significantly more space than you are ever realistically going to need.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

That would be pretty nice. Our plates are expensive over here (US) so we just put a new tiny year sticker on each time and keep the plates for a long time.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

I think you might be mis-understanding slightly? In the UK the date is on the plate as part of the number e.g. AB25 6CD would be on a car registered in 2025. We don't have anything on cars like a registration (tax disk went long ago) number plates are big and plastic here for some reason, someone smart could probably explain why it's good or bad.

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