The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has suspended the launch of its new-generation vehicle licence plates, which were set to be introduced on January 2, 2026.
The decision follows a combination of legislative delays and a court injunction.
Although Parliament amended the Road Traffic Act, 2004 to support the new system, the corresponding updates to the Road Traffic Regulations were not passed before Parliament adjourned on December 19, 2025. This left the required legal framework incomplete.
Further complicating the rollout, the Vehicle and Asset Management Group (VEMAG), a coalition of transport operators and industry stakeholders has secured a court injunction against the DVLA.
VEMAG has raised concerns regarding the implementation process, including procurement and stakeholder consultation, and has requested a judicial pause until these issues are resolved.
The new plates were designed to feature Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to improve vehicle tracking, road safety, and law enforcement.
During the suspension, the DVLA has clarified that vehicles with Departure from Port (DP) stickers and DV plates may continue to operate legally until further notice.
The Authority has asked for public understanding and reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the new licence plate system once all legal and regulatory obstacles are resolved.
