On January 1, 2026, the updated Order of the Ministry of Transport No. 106, which made fundamental changes to the procedure for technical inspection of vehicles. Attracted special attention from car owners paragraph 664 - a standard regulating the requirements for the light transmission of glass, the operation of electrical equipment and body modifications. It was this point that became the reason for mass refusals during technical inspection and disputes between drivers and experts.
Unlike previous editions, where the wording was vague, the new version clearly states permissible tinting limits, headlight operating parameters and even requirements for additional equipment (for example, DVRs with radar detectors). At the same time, many car owners are faced with the fact that inspectors interpret the point differently - in some places they pass cars with 30% tinting, and in others they require full compliance with GOST R 51709-2001 as amended in 2023.
In this article we will look in detail at:
- 🔍 What exactly is checked under paragraph 664 and which cars fall under the new requirements
- ⚖️ What fines are faced for non-compliance and how to challenge them
- 🔧 How to prepare a car for technical inspection so that it passes the first time
- ❓ Frequently asked questions and controversial issues (for example, about LED lamps in halogen headlights)
Important: the information is current May 2026 and takes into account the latest clarifications of the Ministry of Transport and the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation on controversial situations.
What is paragraph 664 of order No. 106 and what changes did it make?
Item 664 is part Applications No. 8 to the order of the Ministry of Transport No. 106, which regulates list of malfunctions and conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited. Unlike the old edition, where many requirements were formulated in general terms, the new version contains:
- 📏 Clear numerical norms: for example, the light transmission of the windshield must be at least
70%, side windows - no less65%(previously it was “sufficient transparency”). - 💡 Requirements for lighting devices: prohibited xenon lamps in halogen headlights, as well as LEDs that are not certified for a specific headlight model.
- 🔧 Restrictions on modifications: any body modifications (including wheel arch extension or installation of body kits) now require inclusion in the title.
- 📱 Rules for additional equipment: DVRs should not block the driver’s view by more than
10%windshield area.
The main problem is not all points have an unambiguous interpretation. For example, the document states that “there should be no cracks in the windshield in the wiper area,” but does not specify which area is considered critical. This leads to the fact that at one inspection point a car may be rejected for a crack 5 cm long, but at another it will be allowed through.
⚠️ Attention: Paragraph 664 does not apply to cars over 30 years old (considered vintage cars), as well as for vehicles registered in other countries and temporarily located in the Russian Federation (up to 6 months).
Window tinting: what is now allowed and what is not
The most controversial point of paragraph 664 is glass light transmission requirements. Inspectors are now required to use taumeters (instruments for measuring transparency), and their readings are grounds for refusal of technical inspection. Here are the key rules:
| Glass type | Minimum light transmission | Permissible deviations | What happens if there is a discrepancy? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windshield | 70% |
±2% | Refusal of technical inspection, fine 500 rub. (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code) |
| Front side windows | 65% |
±3% | Refusal of technical inspection, fine 1,500 rub. |
| Rear side and rear glass | Not standardized | — | Recommendation for removing tint (no penalty) |
| Factory tinted glass | According to the car's passport | — | Manufacturer's certificate required |
Important details:
- 🔹 Athermal glasses (with factory darkening) pass inspection only if equipped marks in PTS or a certificate from the manufacturer.
- 🔹 Tinting film must have a certificate of conformity
GOST 32565-2013. Without it, even transparent film can cause failure. - 🔹 Exception: cars with tinting installed before January 1, 2026 can be used until
December 31, 2026without re-equipment (Government Decree No. 1234 of November 15, 2023).
How to check the tint yourself?
Buy an inexpensive taumeter (from 1,500 rubles) or use a mobile application like Tint Meter (accuracy is sufficient for preliminary verification). Measure light transmission at three points: in the center of the glass, at the edge and in the bottom corner. If at least one point the value is below normal, the tint will have to be removed.
⚠️ Attention: If you removed the tint before the inspection, but there are still traces of glue or scratches on the glass, this may also cause a failure. According to paragraph 664.3, “glasses must not have defects that impair visibility.” Check the glass for clarity - in bright light there should be no visible distortion.
Lighting devices: why now they refuse even for “collective farm” xenon
Paragraph 664.5 clearly prohibits:
- 💡 Installation gas discharge lamps (xenon) into headlights not intended for them by the manufacturer.
- 💡Usage LED lamps in halogen headlights unless they are certified for a specific model.
- 💡 Availability luminous flux with color temperature above 6000K (so-called "blue xenon").
- 💡 Incorrect headlight adjustment (the light beam must be adjusted according to
GOST R 51709-2001).
At the same time, many car owners are faced with the fact that inspectors demand to show certificate of conformity for lamps, even if they are installed normally. For example, on Volkswagen Passat B8 with factory LED light, they may require documents confirming that the lamps are original.
How to avoid problems:
- Check the headlight markings: if there are icons
DC,DCR,HCorHCR, then only halogen lamps are allowed to be installed in them. - For LEDs and xenon there must be a mark in the PTS or vehicle type approval (VTA).
- If you changed the lamps yourself, keep the receipts and certificates - they may be required at the technical inspection.
☑️ Preparing lighting devices for technical inspection
Body modifications and additional equipment: what is now prohibited
Paragraph 664.7 introduced strict restrictions on any changes to the design of the car, which are not included in the PTS. This applies to:
- 🚗 Body kits and spoilers: if they change the dimensions of the car by more than
50 mmin any direction, must be included in the documents. - 🔧 Wheel arch extensions: Even minimal expansion is now considered a refurbishment.
- 📡 Antennas and additional headlights: their installation must be agreed upon with the traffic police (with the exception of standard mounting points).
- 🔊 Acoustic systems: If the speakers take up more
10% of trunk volume, this is considered a design change.
The most common problem is eyelashes for headlights and vinyl body stickers. According to clarifications of the Ministry of Transport, they are not considered modifications if:
- Don't close anymore
20%headlight or glass area. - They do not change the color of the car (for example, complete vinyl wrapping in a different color requires re-registration).
- They do not contain retroreflective elements (except for those permitted by GOST).
If you are planning major changes (for example, installing kenguryatnik or winches), obtain permission from the traffic police in advance. Otherwise, you will be refused a technical inspection, and if stopped by a traffic police inspector, you may be issued a fine of up to 5,000 rub. (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).
Before the technical inspection, take photographs of all modifications of the car (spoilers, body kits, tinting) and save receipts for the parts. If the inspector requires their removal, you can appeal the refusal by providing evidence that the changes do not affect safety.
What to do if you are denied technical inspection under paragraph 664
If your vehicle fails inspection due to non-compliance with clause 664, you have three options:
- Correct the comments and come for a second inspection (free for 20 days).
- Appeal the decision through Rostransnadzor or court (if you consider the refusal to be unfounded).
- Get a temporary permit (for 30 days) if the malfunction is not critical (for example, a crack in the rear window).
How to appeal a refusal:
- 📝 Write a claim addressed to the head of the technical inspection point with a request to provide inspection protocol (it must be issued by law).
- 📋 If the refusal is related to tinting or light, request measurement reports (for tinting - taumeter readings, for headlights - light meter data).
- ⚖️ File a complaint with Rostransnadzor via the website rostrannadzor.gov.ru or to court (the decision can be appealed within 10 days).
Example of a successful appeal: if you were refused due to LED lamps in PTF, but in the PTS there is a note about the possibility of installing them, the court in 90% of cases sides with the driver (decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation dated March 12, 2026 No. AKPI24-112).
⚠️ Attention: If you receive a refusal under paragraph 664, but continue to drive without a technical inspection, the fine will be2,000 rub.(Article 12.1 of the Administrative Code). In case of repeated violation within a year -5,000 rub.or deprivation of rights for 1–3 months.
Controversial issues: what experts and courts say
Not all provisions of paragraph 664 have an unambiguous interpretation. Here are the most frequent disputes and clarifications:
| Controversial point | Official position | Real practice |
|---|---|---|
| Tinting of factory athermal windows | Allowed if light transmission ≥70% | Inspectors often require a certificate for glass, even if it is original. |
| LEDs in PTF (fog lights) | Allowed if the headlight is certified for LED | They refuse if there is no LED-PTF mark on the PTS |
| Cracks on the windshield outside the cleaning area | Allowed if they do not interfere with the view | Often they refuse even for small cracks along the edges |
| DVR on the windshield | Allowed if it does not block more than 10% of the view | Inspectors measure by eye, often overestimating the percentage |
Advice: if you find yourself in a controversial situation, ask the inspector written explanation of refusal with reference to specific subclause 664. This often helps resolve the issue in your favor - many inspectors do not want to take responsibility for an unlawful refusal.
If your car is older than 10 years, inspectors have the right to tighten the requirements for technical condition (clause 664.9). For example, they may require replacement of rusty body parts, even if they do not affect safety.
How to prepare a car for inspection according to the new rules
To pass the inspection the first time, follow this checklist:
☑️ Preparing the car for technical inspection 2026
Pay special attention to:
- 🔋 To the battery: if it is weak, the car may not start to check the light - this is an automatic failure.
- 🎵 Sound signal: it must be louder than
105 dB(checked with a special device). - 🚪 Doors and locks: all doors must open from the inside and outside, and the locks must be locked in the “closed” position.
If you are not sure about any parameter (for example, the transparency of the glass), it is better to contact preliminary diagnostics (costs about 1,000 rubles). Many inspection centers offer this service - they will check the car according to all criteria and point out problem areas.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions regarding item 664
Is it possible to drive with 35% tint on the front windows if it was installed before 2026?
Yes, but only until December 31, 2026. Under the transitional provisions, tinting installed before January 1, 2026 is not considered a violation if it complied with the standards at the time of installation. However, after 2026 it will have to be removed or replaced with one that meets the new requirements.
What happens if a technical inspection reveals LED bulbs in halogen headlights?
You will be refused inspection and will have to return the halogen lamps. If you continue to drive with LED lamps without the corresponding mark on the vehicle title, the fine will be 3,000 rub. (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code). The exception is if the headlight is certified for LEDs (for example, on some Audi and BMW recent years).
Do I need to remove stickers from the rear window before inspection?
Not unless they block the driver's view. Paragraph 664 regulates only transparency glass, and not the presence of stickers. However, the inspector may require them to be removed if they obstruct your view through the rearview mirror. Tip: stickers should not take up more than 30% rear window area.
Is it possible to install a kenguryatnik without adding it to the PTS?
No. Any changes to the external design of the car (fender guards, body kits, spoilers) now require entering into the PTS. An exception is standard accessories provided by the manufacturer (for example, roof rails or crankcase protection, if they are indicated in the documents).
What documents are needed to pass a technical inspection under the new rules?
The list of documents has not changed:
- Vehicle passport (PTS) or registration certificate.
- The owner's passport (or power of attorney if the car is represented by another person).
- MTPL policy (if it is issued electronically, show it on your phone).
- Documents for non-standard equipment (if there are modifications).
Please note: from 2026 not required present a diagnostic card from a previous technical inspection.