Every car owner, sooner or later, is faced with a situation where the standard license plate fasteners become unusable. Rust, lost plugs or simple theft - there are many reasons for replacement. However, few people think that the wrong choice of hardware can lead to fines from the traffic police or damage to the car body. In this article we will look at exactly what bolts for fastening numbers comply with the law and how to install them correctly.
Low-quality metal quickly oxidizes, leaving rusty streaks on the bumper or trunk lid, which not only spoils the appearance, but can also cause a refusal to pass a technical inspection. In addition, there are special anti-vandal solutions that will protect your license plates from thieves. Understanding the differences between regular and specialized screws will help save time and money in the future.
The modern car accessories market offers dozens of options, from simple self-tapping screws to complex systems with decorative caps. It is important not to get confused in this variety and choose something that will last for many years. Below we will consider in detail the technical characteristics, GOST requirements and practical installation tips.
GOST requirements and legislative norms
The main document regulating the installation of state registration plates (GRP) in Russia is GOST R 50577-2018. According to this standard, the fastening of the number plate must ensure its reliable fixation in a vertical position. The use of non-standard elements that obscure characters or change their readability is strictly prohibited. Any manipulations with fasteners should not distort the information on the plate.
Particular attention should be paid to the diameter and type of thread. Standard holes on Russian license plates have a diameter of 9 mm, but on some cars the seats may differ. Legislation does not prohibit the use of adapters or adapters if they do not hide numbers and letters. The main requirement is that the license plate must be installed in the center of the vehicle axis or symmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis.
Can I use a frame with a logo?
Yes, the use of frames is allowed if they do not cover the state registration plate, the region code and do not have additional inscriptions that impede reading. The frame should not be tinted or mirrored.
Road patrol inspectors have every right to issue a fine for a modified state registration plate. Therefore the choice fasteners should be dictated not only by aesthetics, but also by legal literacy. Clear caps or bolts with colored heads are acceptable as long as they do not obscure the character outline.
Materials of manufacture and corrosion protection
Aggressive road environments, reagents and temperature changes are the main enemies of metal fasteners. Ordinary uncoated steel will rust in one winter season, turning into an unaesthetic mess and making dismantling the license plate almost impossible without damaging the body. That is why the material of the bolts is given paramount importance when purchasing.
- 🛡️ Stainless steel (A2, A4): The most popular and reliable option. The A4 marking indicates high acid resistance, which is ideal for winter conditions with reagents.
- 🔩 Galvanized steel: Budget solution with zinc coating. It lasts less than stainless steel, but with a high-quality zinc layer it can last for several years.
- 🎨 Brass and silumin: Often used for decorative purposes. Brass does not rust, but can oxidize, and silumin is fragile and can burst if tightened too hard.
When choosing, pay attention to the markings of the bolt head. Steel products are best suited for cars AISI 304 or AISI 316. They are guaranteed not to leave rust marks on the body even after 5-7 years of operation. Cheap Chinese analogues are often labeled as “stainless steel”, but become magnetic and become covered with a red coating after six months.
Testing the material: Take a small magnet with you to the store. True 300 series stainless steel (food grade and marine grade) is virtually non-magnetic or very weakly magnetic, unlike regular steel or coated silumin.
It is also important to consider the galvanic couple. If you attach a steel bolt to an aluminum bracket or plastic bumper with a metal insert, galvanic corrosion may occur. In such cases it is recommended to use insulating washers or lubricate the threads with graphite lubricant before installation.
Types of fasteners: self-tapping screws, screws and bolts with nuts
The choice of fastener type depends on the design of the installation location on your vehicle. Manufacturers offer three main options, each of which has its own installation features and reliability of fixation. The wrong choice can lead to the license plate starting to rattle while driving or even falling off.
Self-tapping screws for metal or plastic are the simplest option, often included with cheap frames. They do not require a hole on the back of the bumper or trunk lid. However, their reliability leaves much to be desired: vibrations gradually unscrew the thread, and repeated screwing into the same hole is no longer possible. For continuous use this option not recommended.
Screws with nuts are the classic and most reliable solution. They require a through hole and access to the back of the part to tighten the nut. This method provides a rigid fixation that cannot be loosened by vibration if a locking washer is used. It is this type of fastening that is most often required at technical inspection points.
There are also combined options, for example, screws with pressed nuts or special clips for plastic bumpers. When using screws, it is important to choose the correct rod length. A bolt that is too long can rest against internal body elements or damage the wiring, and a short one will not provide a reliable clamp.
Anti-vandal systems and anti-theft protection
License plate theft is a common phenomenon, often used to commit other offenses or simply for the sake of disorderly conduct. To protect themselves, many drivers install anti-vandal fasteners. Such systems are designed so that they cannot be unscrewed with a standard tool (screwdriver or wrench) without a special key.
The principle of operation of such bolts lies in the unique geometry of the head. It could be a star with an offset center, a polyhedron with a chaotic arrangement of edges, or a hole with an internal profile. The kit always comes with a special key attachment, which is recommended to be stored in the glove compartment or at home, but not in the car.
☑️ Checking anti-vandal fasteners
It is worth noting that installing secret keys on numbers is not prohibited by law if they do not interfere with reading the characters. However, if you lose the key, removing the license plate becomes a difficult task, requiring drilling out the keys or using extractors. Therefore, you should only buy such systems from trusted manufacturers, from whom you can order a duplicate key using the code.
⚠️ Attention: When installing anti-vandal bolts, be sure to lubricate the threads with graphite or copper grease. If this is not done, after a couple of years the bolt may “stick” and it will be extremely difficult to unscrew it even with a special key.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing fasteners
The process of replacing license plate bolts does not require sophisticated equipment, but requires care so as not to damage the body paint. Before starting work, the car must be washed, paying special attention to the area around the license plate so that dirt does not get under the plate when removed.
For the job you will need: a Phillips or slotted screwdriver (depending on the type of old bolts), a new set of fasteners, a rag, and possibly penetrating lubricant (WD-40) if the old bolts are rusty. If you are replacing self-tapping screws with screws and nuts, make sure you have access to the back of the fastener.
- Treat the old bolts with penetrating lubricant and wait 5-10 minutes.
- Carefully unscrew the old fastener. If the caps are torn off, use pliers or a extractor.
- Clean the holes from dirt and rust. If necessary, drill them out with a 9 mm drill bit.
- Insert a new bolt through the license plate hole and body.
- Screw the nut on the back side or use a self-tapping screw (if the design allows).
- Tighten the fasteners all the way, but not too much, so as not to push through the plastic.
The main installation rule is not to overtighten the fasteners. Excessive force may deform the license plate or crack the plastic frame, resulting in irregular geometry and rattling at speed.
After installation, check the secure fit by shaking the number with your hand. It shouldn't wobble. If the license plate has a frame, make sure the bolts go through all layers and press the structure evenly.
Comparison of popular types of fasteners
To finally make your choice, let's compare the main characteristics of various types of bolts in the table. This will help you weigh the pros and cons before purchasing.
| Fastener type | Material | Difficulty of installation | Theft protection | Service life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-tapping screws | Steel with zinc | Low | Missing | 1-2 years |
| Screws with nuts | Stainless steel steel | Average | Low | 5-7 years |
| Anti-vandal | Stainless steel steel | Average | High | 5-7 years |
| Decorative | Brass/Chrome | Low | Low | 3-4 years |
As can be seen from the table, ordinary stainless steel screws have the optimal balance of price and quality. They are durable and easy to maintain. Anti-vandal options should only be considered if you leave your car in disadvantaged areas or park on the street for long periods of time.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use bolts with sharp ends to attach license plates if fuel hoses or electrical lines pass behind the bumper. In case of careless installation, the sheath of the wire or hose can be pierced.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can the bolt heads be painted to match the body color?
Yes, this is acceptable and even welcomed from an aesthetic point of view. However, use heat-resistant paint that will not crack due to temperature changes. Make sure that the paint layer does not hide the edges of the license plate symbols and does not interfere with their reading by security cameras.
What to do if the holes in the license plate and on the car do not match?
In this case, you cannot bend the license plate, as this is a violation of GOST. It is necessary to either drill new holes in the body (treating the edges with anti-corrosion agent), or use a transition frame with universal perforation. Sometimes moving the license plate itself in the frame helps, if the design allows it.
Do I need to change rubber washers when replacing bolts?
Strongly recommended. Old rubber seals lose their elasticity, crack and cease to protect against moisture and dirt. New washers will prevent water from getting between the number plate and the body, eliminating corrosion of the metal under the plate.
Is there a fine for a protruding bolt?
Formally, protruding sharp parts can be regarded as a malfunction that creates a danger for pedestrians. If the bolt sticks out too much and has sharp edges, the inspector may issue a warning or a fine under Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. It is better to use bolts with semicircular heads or special plugs.