New research has revealed that 24 percent of motorists are unaware of the bi-annual plate change.

Of the 76 percent that are familiar with the plate change, two thirds (66 percent) know that the first annual plate change occurs in March and 70 percent know that the second occurs in September.

The study, by webuyanycar, found that some drivers are confused about when the plate change occurs, with 15 percent thinking a plate change occurs in August and 12 percent assuming the first plate change takes places in January.

When it comes to buying a car, over half of motorists (60 percent) admit that a newer plate makes a car more desirable, with almost one in four (23 percent) stating they want a plate that is as new as possible.

More than half (52 percent) of motorists stated that an ageing number plate would make them consider selling their car.

Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar, said:

“As the second bi-annual plate change of the year approaches, every car registered before September 2020 is about to become a plate older. When a car becomes a plate older, this typically depreciates the value of the car, as newer, more desirable plates are released.”

Richard added:

“Now is a great time of year to sell your car, before its value is impacted by the new plate. It can also be a great time of year to think about buying your next car and maybe even being one of the first to get your hands on the ’70 plate.”

“For those considering selling their car before the new plate arrives on 1 September, it’s important to note that buying without part exchanging could get you a bigger discount on your next car. To sell your car the hassle free-way, why not start with a free, 30 second valuation at webuyanycar today.”

Amongst the 1,750 motorists polled, more than half (52 percent) claimed to know someone that has used a private plate to hide the age of their car, with a third (33 percent) saying they have considered doing it themselves and almost a quarter (23 percent) admit they have invested in private plates at some point to disguise their aging wheels.

Motorists in Carlisle are the least interested in hiding the age of their car, where more than seven in ten (71 percent) say they know nobody at all who has used a private plate to conceal the true age of their car.

When it comes to getting your hands on the freshest plates, motorist in Portsmouth came out on top, where almost one in five (19 percent) of motorists say they have bought a new car JUST to own a car with the latest plate.

For further information and to get an online quote, visit https://www.webuyanycar.com.