The DVLA is allowing superstitious customers to avoid having 13 on their number plates when they buy a new car in March.

The DVLA is proposing motorists who buy a new car registered from 1 March 2013 to 31 August 2013 can choose to have it registered as a 62-plate, effectively keeping it the same as vehicles registered from 1 September 2012 to 28 February 2013, until it naturally reverts back to the regular plate pattern which will see the 63 registration appear on 1 September 2013.

The VRA said: “This is great for those who regard the number 13 as unlucky but it could cause a challenge for the used car market.

“Those picking up on the anomaly will value the car correctly, but those who don’t may offer drivers considerably less for the car than it is worth just based on the registration plate. Something for the used market to consider in spring next year.”