WA69UTP is a 2019 Mercedes-Benz A 180 AMG Line Premium + D registered in Exeter between September 2019 and February 2020. It’s ULEZ compliant, features diesel power, and carries AMG Line styling with Premium Plus equipment. The registration reveals location, age, and compliance status—essential information for any potential buyer or curious observer.
If you’ve come across WA69UTP, you’re looking at more than just a vehicle identifier—you’re seeing a snapshot of automotive history, location data, and regulatory compliance all rolled into seven characters.
This registration belongs to a 2019 Mercedes-Benz A 180 AMG Line Premium + D, a white diesel hatchback that was first registered between September 2019 and February 2020 in Exeter. Understanding what WA69UTP reveals can help you decode any UK vehicle registration, assess a car’s history, and make informed decisions whether you’re buying, selling, or simply curious about vehicle identification systems.
What Does WA69UTP Mean?
UK vehicle registrations follow a precise structure that reveals key information about every car on the road. WA69 registrations were issued by the DVLA office in Exeter, representing the West of England area, specifically between September 1, 2019, and February 28, 2020.
Breaking down WA69UTP:
- WA – This local memory tag indicates the vehicle was registered in Exeter, part of the West of England region. The first letter represents the broader area, while the second letter identifies the specific DVLA postal area.
- 69 – This age identifier shows the car was registered during the September-to-February period of 2019, as vehicles registered in this second half of the year use the year number plus 50. A car registered in March 2019 would simply show “19,” but September registrations display “69.”
- UTP – These final three letters are randomly generated to create a unique identifier. They hold no specific meaning but ensure every vehicle has a distinct registration number.
The Mercedes-Benz Behind the Plate
WA69UTP is registered to a Mercedes-Benz A 180 AMG Line Premium + D—a sophisticated compact hatchback that represents Mercedes’ successful entry into the premium small car segment.
Key Features and Specifications
This particular vehicle is a white 2019 Mercedes-Benz A 180 AMG Line Premium + D with a diesel engine, offering an attractive blend of performance and efficiency. The “D” designation confirms its diesel powerplant, while “AMG Line Premium +” indicates enhanced styling and luxury features.
The A 180 diesel variant delivers practical performance with excellent fuel economy. The AMG Line package adds sporty visual enhancements, including distinctive bumpers, side skirts, and upgraded alloy wheels. Premium Plus specification typically includes features like a panoramic sunroof, premium upholstery, and advanced driver assistance systems.
Inside, you’ll find Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system with dual digital displays, voice control via “Hey Mercedes,” and a range of connectivity features that were cutting-edge when this generation launched in 2019.
Environmental Compliance
The road tax for this diesel Mercedes-Benz A 180 AMG Line Premium + D is £195 per year or £107.25 every six months. This relatively modest tax rate reflects the vehicle’s efficient diesel engine.
Importantly, WA69UTP is ULEZ compliant, meaning it’s exempt from the Ultra Low Emission Zone charge in London and similar areas. This compliance is crucial for drivers who regularly travel into urban zones with strict emissions regulations, potentially saving hundreds of pounds annually in charges.
Understanding UK Number Plate Systems
The current UK registration format was introduced in September 2001 and provides a logical, easy-to-understand system for vehicle identification.
The first two letters represent the region where the vehicle was registered and are assigned by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The two numbers indicate the specific six-month period within that year, while the last three letters are generally random.
This biannual system serves multiple purposes. It helps flatten car sales throughout the year rather than creating a January spike. The age identifier changes twice annually—in March, it matches the year, and in September, it’s the year plus 50.
For example:
- March 2019 registrations: XX19 XXX
- September 2019 registrations: XX69 XXX
- March 2024 registrations: XX24 XXX
- September 2024 registrations: XX74 XXX
The current system can run until February 2051, when the last age-identifier will be ’00’, at which point the DVLA is likely to review and update the registration system.
Why Registration Details Matter
Understanding your vehicle registration provides several practical benefits:
1. Vehicle History Checks
The registration number is your gateway to comprehensive vehicle history reports. These checks reveal MOT history, mileage records, previous owners, outstanding finance, and whether a vehicle has been written off or reported stolen.
2. Insurance and Taxation
Your registration determines insurance group classifications and road tax calculations. Diesel vehicles like WA69UTP may face higher tax rates in certain bands, but ULEZ compliance can offset these costs for urban drivers.
3. Resale Value
A vehicle’s age, as indicated by its registration, significantly impacts its market value. The 69 plate indicates a second-half 2019 registration, which helps buyers and sellers establish fair pricing. Additionally, ULEZ-compliant vehicles like this Mercedes retain better value in areas with emissions zones.
4. Legal Compliance
It is a legal requirement for vehicles to display front and rear number plates. Proper display ensures you avoid fines and helps authorities track vehicles for safety and regulatory purposes.
Checking WA69UTP’s Full History
Before purchasing any used vehicle, including one with the WA69UTP registration, conducting thorough checks is essential. Several services provide comprehensive reports:
- MOT History – Free government services show all MOT tests, including pass/fail results, mileage at each test, and advisories. This data reveals how well a vehicle has been maintained.
- HPI Checks – Before buying a used car, you can run a fully comprehensive HPI vehicle check to uncover hidden issues like outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen vehicle markers.
- DVLA Verification – Confirm that the vehicle’s registration documents match its physical characteristics and that tax is up to date.
For WA69UTP specifically, you’d want to verify the mileage progression, ensure all MOTs have been completed on schedule, and confirm no major advisories or failures appear in the history.
The Premium Compact Car Market
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class competes in one of Europe’s most competitive segments, facing rivals like the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, and Volkswagen Golf. The 2019 A 180 AMG Line Premium + D represented Mercedes’s effort to offer a genuinely premium experience in a compact package.
This generation marked a significant leap forward in technology and refinement compared to previous A-Class models. The introduction of MBUX, Mercedes’ advanced infotainment system, gave the A-Class a technological edge over many competitors.
The diesel variant, while less popular today due to changing emissions regulations and buyer preferences shifting toward hybrids and electric vehicles, offered excellent real-world fuel economy and strong mid-range performance ideal for motorway driving.
Future of Vehicle Registration
As the automotive industry shifts toward electric vehicles and connected cars, registration systems continue adapting. Since 2020, zero-emission vehicles in the UK have been eligible for green number plates featuring a distinctive green flash on the left side.
While WA69UTP’s diesel Mercedes doesn’t qualify for this designation, understanding these evolving standards helps contextualize where vehicles like this fit in the current market. ULEZ compliance remains valuable, but as regulations tighten further, older diesel vehicles may face increasing restrictions in urban areas.
The DVLA continues refining its systems to accommodate new vehicle types and ownership models. Subscription services, car-sharing platforms, and autonomous vehicles all present unique registration challenges that future systems must address.
Making Sense of Your Registration
Whether you’re researching WA69UTP specifically or trying to understand any UK vehicle registration, the system is designed to be logical and informative. Those seven characters tell you where and when a vehicle was first registered, helping you make informed decisions.
For anyone considering a 2019 Mercedes-Benz A 180 AMG Line Premium + D or similar vehicle, WA69UTP demonstrates the importance of checking beyond just the registration. Verify ULEZ compliance, review complete service history, and ensure MOT records show consistent, reasonable mileage progression.
Understanding vehicle registrations empowers you as a buyer, seller, or current owner. It’s a simple system that, once decoded, provides valuable insights into any vehicle’s background and helps you navigate the UK automotive landscape with confidence.
