I don't know for sure but the UK must be unique in the world that people are able to have their own plates made. Everywhere else you have to carry the government issued plates. In that case usually classic plates stay with the car but if they are replaced for any reason they are replaced with modern plates. Some places will reissue classic plates as personalised plates, but even that is rare.
If people are willing to pay for their vanity it is only right and just that the Government relieves them of their cash for the privilege
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Budster - your point on safety and visibility is a very wise one
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