License plates table of series 155: decoding and regions of the Russian Federation

A car license plate is not just a metal plate with a set of symbols, but an official document that allows you to identify a vehicle on public roads. For many car enthusiasts and professionals in the field of motor transport, the series 155 may carry different meanings, however, in the context of state registration marks (RSP) of the Russian Federation, it is important to understand the structure of their formation. Drivers often look for a code correspondence table precisely in order to determine the region of registration of a car or check the history of its movements around the country.

It’s worth clarifying right away: series 155 in the format of a three-digit region code on standard Russian numbers (for example, A 001 AA 155) is not currently used and has not been assigned to any subject of the Russian Federation. This is due to the fact that three-digit area codes begin with the number 1 and end with 99, 199, 799, and so on, but the code 155 is not reserved for a specific region. However, if we are talking about a series of letters or specific combinations within old formats or special services, a more in-depth analysis of the regulatory framework is required.

In this article, we will look at what is actually hidden behind the digital combinations, how to correctly read the table of region codes, and why misconceptions sometimes arise regarding the existence of certain series. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid mistakes when buying a used car or when analyzing a traffic situation. We will also look at current codes that are actually used in various regions, territories and republics of our country.

Structure and format of state registration plates

To understand the issue of series, you need to clearly understand how the standard license plate of a civilian car in Russia works. According to GOST R 50577-2018, the format is a combination of letters and numbers, where each position has a strictly defined meaning. On the left is a letter indicating the series, followed by three numbers, then two more letters and, on the right side, the region code. It is the region code that is the key element for geo-referencing a vehicle.

It is important to note that the use of numbers in the letter part (series) is prohibited, since in the Russian alphabet only 12 letters are selected for this purpose, which have graphic analogues in the Latin alphabet: A, B, E, K, M, N, O, R, S, T, U, X. The numbers are used for numbering within the series. When talking about the "155 series", the order of the characters is often confused. In a standard room 155 cannot be an area code since three-digit area codes start with 1, but 155 is not a valid federal subject code.

There are different number formats that can confuse the untrained person:

• 🚗 Civil vehicles: standard format with a 2 or 3 digit area code (for example, 77, 99, 199, 777).
• 🚓 Police numbers: have a blue background and differ in format, where the region code also indicates affiliation with the subject, but the structure is different.
• 🚜 Transit numbers: paper or plastic signs for temporary purposes, where the region code is also present, but in a different visual design.

Confusion with the number 155 often arises because people try to find logic where there is none within the current numbering. Region codes are assigned by orders of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and have their own history. Some codes, such as 154 or 156, may be reserved or used in specific cases (for example, for certain types of equipment or during transition periods), but 155 is not widely used in passenger cars.

Why do area codes change?

Area codes are changing due to a lack of combinations. When a region runs out of available combinations of letters and numbers for an existing code, the Ministry of Internal Affairs introduces a new code for the same region. For example, in Moscow, after the code 77 was exhausted, 99 appeared, then 97, 177, 199, 777, 799, 797, 795.

Code 155 Analysis: Myths and Reality

Many car enthusiasts, seeing a car with an unknown or rare license plate on the road, rush to the Internet to look it up in the database. Querying "autonomer plate series 155 table" often results in conflicting data. The reality is this: today code 155 is not assigned to any region or republic as the main three-digit identifier. This does not mean that such a number is impossible in theory, but in the current vehicle registration system it does not appear as active.

There is a possibility that "155" could mean old formats or specific service numbers that do not follow the general rules of civil series. However, if you come across a number where the area code clearly reads 155, you should be vigilant. This may be a sign of counterfeiting or the use of signs that do not comply with GOST. Verifying the authenticity of license plates is an important part of the legal purity of a car.

Attention! ⚠️ Attention: If you purchase a car and notice a discrepancy between the region code on the numbers and the seller’s place of registration or strange digital combinations that do not match the official tables, be sure to conduct a full check of the VIN code through the official services of the traffic police. The use of fake numbers entails criminal liability.

Let's look at what codes actually exist and how they are distributed. Often 155 is confused with codes that are visually similar or sound similar in spoken language. For example, code 152 is the Nizhny Novgorod region, 150, 190, 750 is the Moscow region. An error in one number can lead to incorrect conclusions about the origin of the car. Code tables are updated, and it is important to rely on current data from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Current table of codes for regions of the Russian Federation

In order not to guess where the car came from, you need to use trusted sources of information. Below is a table with the current region codes that are actively used at present. This information will help you quickly navigate and understand whether code 155 is worth looking for on this list (spoiler: it's not there, but there are many others).

Area codes are divided into two-digit and three-digit. Three-digit numbers are often an "extension" of two-digit numbers for densely populated areas. For example, Moscow and St. Petersburg have the largest number of codes due to their high vehicle fleet.

Region code	Subject of the Russian Federation	Status
77, 99, 97, 177	Moscow	Active
78, 98, 178	St. Petersburg	Active
150, 190, 50, 90	Moscow region	Active
152	Nizhny Novgorod region	Active
154	Krasnodar region (formerly)	Archived/Changed

As can be seen from the table, code 154 once belonged to the Krasnodar Territory, but was replaced by 023, 093, 123 and others. Code 155 in this logic could go to some region if the continuation of the series was required, but at the moment it is free or reserved for future needs. It is important to understand that the numbering is not always in strict order, and some numbers may be missed.

Special and diplomatic series

The numbers of special services and the diplomatic corps deserve special attention. Here the encoding system differs from the civil one. Diplomatic numbers have a red background and contain a code indicating a country or international organization, and not a region of the Russian Federation. Their structure also contains numbers, but they carry a different meaning.

The numbers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the FSB and other law enforcement agencies have their own series and codes. For example, cars of the Ministry of Internal Affairs can be recognized by their blue background and specific arrangement of symbols. The region code on such numbers also indicates belonging to a specific department or region, but the correspondence table may differ from the civil one. In some cases, series may begin with numbers or have letter designations.

There are also “thieves” series, which are popularly given a special status. Although officially all numbers are equal, certain combinations of letters (for example, AMP, EKH, ORO) have historically been associated with the administration or intelligence services. The digital part in such numbers can also be low (001, 002), which enhances their recognition. However, the 155 series is not included in the list of known "special series".

Attention! ⚠️ Attention: An attempt to independently manufacture or purchase plates that imitate a special series (for example, installing blue frames or stickers on civilian plates) is an administrative offense and faces a fine or deprivation of rights.

How to check a car's history by numbers

If you are interested not so much in theory as in the practice of checking a specific car, then knowing the region codes is just the first step. It is much more important to know how to use verification tools. The license plate itself does not provide complete information about the owner (this is personal data), but in conjunction with the VIN code it allows you to restore the history of the car.

Use official resources to check. The website of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate of the Russian Federation allows you to check your registration history, participation in an accident and the presence of restrictions. There are also commercial services that aggregate data from various sources, including insurance company and taxi databases. Enter the data carefully so as not to receive information about another car.

Algorithm of actions during verification:

• 🔍 Request VIN code from the seller or find it in the documents (PTS, STS).
• 💻 Use official sites (State Traffic Police, Register of Pledges, FSSP) for a free basic check.
• 📄 Order an extended report, if you are planning a purchase, to see the twisted mileage, taxi work and repair work.

Remember that even if the license plate looks suspicious or the series is unfamiliar to you, the VIN remains the main identifier. It is stamped on the body and engine, and is much more difficult to fake than a license plate. If the numbers are “cloudy” and the VIN is readable, this is a good sign, but requires additional checking of the plates themselves for counterfeiting.

Legal aspects and number replacement

Car owners often wonder: do they need to change license plates if they move to another region? Since 2020, a law has been in force in Russia that allows you to retain a license plate with the code of your “native” region for your car, even if the owner is registered elsewhere. You can drive Moscow license plates while living in Vladivostok, and this is absolutely legal.

However, if you buy a used car, you have the right to keep the old plates or get new ones in your region. Obtaining numbers with code 155 (if one had been introduced) or any other current code for your region occurs at the traffic police department or through accredited organizations. The cost of the service is fixed, and production time usually ranges from 15 minutes to several hours.

It is important to remember the condition of the license plates themselves. If the paint has worn off, there is rust or deformation, the traffic police inspector has the right to issue a fine and demand replacement. GOST regulates not only the content, but also the appearance of the GRZ. The readability of symbols should be ideal at any time of the day and in any lighting.

Attention! ⚠️ Attention: Driving with unreadable or non-standard license plates (for example, with frames covering the letters, or with flags of other countries, if the car does not have the appropriate status) can result in a fine of 500 rubles, and in some cases, the removal of license plates.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is there an area code 155?

Currently, region code 155 has not been assigned to any constituent entity of the Russian Federation for use on civilian license plates. There is no such code in the traffic police tables. Perhaps in the future it will be reserved for some region experiencing a shortage of combinations, but for now it is a free number.

What does it mean if the paint on a number has worn off?

Faded paint makes the license plate unreadable, which is a traffic violation. According to Part 1 of Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, this threatens with a warning or a fine of 500 rubles. It is recommended to replace such numbers with the traffic police or with a private manufacturer to avoid problems with inspectors and photo recording cameras.

Is it possible to drive with license plates from another region?

Yes, the legislation of the Russian Federation does not prohibit the operation of a vehicle with license plates of one region in the territory of another. You can have a residence permit in Kazan, but have Moscow license plates on your car. The main thing is that the numbers are registered in your name or that you have a power of attorney (for old rules) and a valid MTPL policy.

How to find out who the owner is by car number?

It is legally impossible to find out the owner’s personal information (full name, address, telephone number) from the license plate. This information is protected by the Personal Data Law. Only law enforcement officers have access to such databases. You can only check the car's history (accidents, liens, restrictions) through the VIN code.

Why are three-digit area codes needed?

Three-digit codes (for example, 199, 777) are introduced in regions with high population densities and a large number of cars, when all possible combinations for the two-digit code are exhausted. This allows you to expand the numbering resource without changing the license plate format.