The DVLA will allow customers to choose a '62' plate for a further six months instead of taking the 13-plate because the number is seen as unlucky by some.
The new '13' plates, denoting the year they are introduced, are set to arrive in the UK in March 2013, replacing the 62 plates introduced in September 2012.
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However, superstitious new car buyers can instead choose to have their vehicle registered as an older model to avoid the number 13.
All new car owners will be able to choose 62 plates instead of the 13 plates between 1 March and 31 August 2013.
After that, the 63 registration plate will be introduced and the plate numbering system will continue as normal.
It is not the first time the number 13 has been avoided in the UK because of fears it represents bad luck. Several airlines will not have a row numbered 13 to avoid upsetting superstitious buyers, while those suffering from Triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13, believe Friday the 13th to be an unlucky day.
However, it is the first time newly registered cars have been allowed to use the previous registration numbers because of superstition.
Meanwhile, The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) is campaigning to remove the 13 plates' in Ireland completely over fears less people will buy a new car.
SIMI believes over 5,000 people could choose not to buy a new car in the country because of the effect of the 13 plate, meaning the country would see another dip in new car sales.