Congratulations on your car purchase! Now you are faced with a lot of tasks - from paperwork to preparing the car for the first trip. Even if you purchased a car at a dealership with a full package of services or bought it second-hand from a private owner, you cannot do without competent actions at the start. Mistakes at this stage can cost you fines, problems with the traffic police, or even deprivation of your license.

This article is not just a to-do list, but step-by-step algorithm taking into account current laws of 2026, hidden nuances and life hacks from car lawyers. We will look at what documents to check first, how to avoid scammers when applying for insurance, what to do with ERA-GLONASS and how to prepare the car for operation to avoid breakdowns. And also - list of 5 things that 90% of drivers forget to do after making a purchase.

1. Checking documents: what should be on hand right away

Even if the seller assures that “everything is clean”, check the documents yourself. The absence of at least one of them may invalidate the transaction or lead to problems during registration.

Here is a complete list of what you should have on hand immediately after purchase:

  • 📄 Sales and purchase agreement (PSA) in 3 copies (for the seller, the buyer and the traffic police). Make sure that it contains the passport details of both parties, VIN number, PTS data and price (even if it is symbolic).
  • 🚗 Vehicle Passport (PVC) - original with a note about the transaction. If the car is older than 2013, make sure that the title has space for new entries (otherwise you will have to fill out a duplicate).
  • 🔑 Certificate of Registration (CTC) - if the car was already registered. Without it, you will not be able to drive even before registering (only driving to the place of registration is allowed).
  • 🔧 Diagnostic card (if it exists) - confirms the passage of technical inspection. Without it, you cannot apply for compulsory motor liability insurance.
  • 💳 Check or money order — confirmation of payment (especially important when purchasing from a dealer or on credit).

⚠️ Attention: If you bought a car by general power of attorney (without DCT), urgently re-register it in your name! Since 2019, such transactions are not recognized as legal, and you risk being left without a car and money.

What to do if there is no space in the PTS for new entries?

If the PTS runs out of free lines, you will have to issue a duplicate. To do this, contact any traffic police department with an application, passport and old PTS. The cost of the service is 800 rubles (2026), production time is up to 30 days. Temporary STS for this period will be issued free of charge.

2. Registration: timing, cost and pitfalls

Since 2026, the rules for registering have changed: now it is reserved for 10 days from the date of purchase (previously it was 10 days). Missing the deadline may result in a fine of 1,500 to 2,000 rubles. But there are nuances:

  • 📅 If you bought a car in another region, you can register it in any MREO of Russia - there is no longer any connection to your place of residence.
  • 💰 Cost of state duty for registration in 2026:
    • Issuance of new numbers - 2,000 rubles.
    • Preservation of old numbers - 800 rubles.
    • Making changes to the PTS - 350 rubles.
    • Issuance of a new STS - 500 rubles.
  • 🚨 If the car is older than 3 years, you will need mandatory technical inspection before registration (even if the previous owner had a valid diagnostic card).

⚠️ Attention: If you bought a car with transit numbers, they must be submitted to the traffic police within 20 days. Otherwise, you face a fine of 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1–3 months.

Action Deadline Fine for late payment
Registration 10 days 1,500–2,000 rub.
Registration of compulsory motor liability insurance Before your first trip 800 rub. (if stopped by the traffic police)
Delivery of transit numbers 20 days 5,000 rub. or deprivation of rights
Passing a technical inspection (if the car is >3 years old) Before registration Refusal of registration
📊 How do you plan to register your car?
Independently through State Services
Through an intermediary
In MREO without registration
I haven't decided yet

3. OSAGO insurance: how to save money and avoid scammers

Without an MTPL policy, you will not be able to register your car and drive legally. But there are a lot of pitfalls here: from inflated prices to fake policies. Here's how to get insurance correctly:

  1. Compare prices on aggregators (Compare.ru, Ingosstrakh, AlfaInsurance). The difference between companies can reach 30%.
  2. Check the discount for accident-free driving (KBM). If you already had a policy, your rate should be automatically taken into account. You can check it on the website RSA.
  3. Do not agree to imposed services (for example, “extended protection”). According to the law, the insurance company does not have the right to refuse basic compulsory motor liability insurance.
  4. Receive your policy electronically - it has the same legal force as a paper one. This will save time and eliminate the need to go to the office.

⚠️ Attention: If you are offered to issue an MTPL without inspecting the car or at a reduced price (for example, 3,000 rubles instead of 10,000), this 100% scam. Such a policy is not valid, and in the event of an accident you will be left without payment.

Check out KBM on the RSA website|

Compare prices on 3–4 aggregators|

Make sure the correct VIN is listed on the policy|

Do not pay in cash - only with a bank card|

Save an electronic copy of the policy to your phone -->

4. Technical inspection: where to go and how much it costs

If your car is older than 3 years, before registering with the traffic police you will need diagnostic card. Since 2026, the rules for passing technical inspection have become more stringent:

  • 🔧 Where to go: Only at accredited points (list on the website Rosavtotrans). Avoid "grey" stations - their cards are invalid.
  • 💰 Cost: From 600 to 1,200 rubles depending on the region and type of vehicle. For trucks and buses the price is higher.
  • ⏳ Validity: 2 years for passenger cars under 7 years old, 1 year for cars over 7 years old.
  • 📋 What they check: Brakes, steering, exterior lights, exhaust, seat belts and ERA-GLONASS (if the car was produced after 2017).

💡 Helpful tip: If the car is under warranty, some dealers offer a free inspection. Check this with the seller.

💡

If your car is under 3 years old, no inspection is required. But if you plan to travel abroad, a diagnostic card may be required to obtain a “Green Card” (international compulsory motor liability insurance).

5. First steps of care: what to do before your first trip

Even if the car looks perfect, don't drivewithout following these steps:

  1. Check the oil and technical fluid levels (brake, coolant, power steering fluid). For a new car, the level may be below normal due to transportation.
  2. Inspect the tires — the pressure must correspond to the manufacturer’s recommendations (indicated on the sticker on the driver’s door or in the manual). Underinflated or overinflated wheels impair handling.
  3. Check the light operation — low beam, high beam, dimensions, brake lights and turn signals. The fine for a faulty light is 500 rubles.
  4. Adjust your mirrors and seat for yourself. An incorrect seating position leads to rapid fatigue and increases the risk of an accident.
  5. Make sure you have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle in your car.. Their absence is a fine of 500 rubles.

⚠️ Attention: If you bought a used car, be sure to change the oil and filters in the first 1,000 km — the previous owner could save on maintenance.

💡

The first 500–1,000 km on a new car is a break-in period. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking and high speeds (above 3,000 rpm). This will extend the life of the engine and gearbox.

Many drivers forget about hidden legal issues, which later can cause problems:

  • 📜 Check for arrests and restrictions. Even if the seller showed a certificate from the traffic police, check the car yourself on the website traffic police (section “Vehicle check”). If your car is seized, you will not be able to re-register it.
  • 💸 Tax deduction. If you bought a car worth more than 250,000 rubles, you can return 13% of the cost (maximum 650,000 rubles). To do this, submit a 3-NDFL return to the tax office.
  • 🔄 Termination of the contract. If within 14 days you find hidden defects (not listed in the contract), you can return the car to the seller and demand a refund. But this only works if purchased from a dealer.
  • 📱 Electronic PTS. Since 2026, all new cars will be registered with an electronic title. If you were given a paper one, make sure it is not counterfeit (check through Public services → Transport → Vehicle title check).

💡 Helpful tip: If you bought a car on credit, be sure to register CASCO. Without it, the bank may increase the interest rate or require early repayment.

7. Additional equipment: what should be installed right away

It is better to install some things in the first days, before the car has yet become “native” and you are not accustomed to its “basic” configuration:

Equipment Cost (RUB) Why is it necessary?
DVR 3 000–15 000 Recording road accidents and controversial situations with the traffic police
Car alarm with auto start 15 000–40 000 Anti-theft protection, comfortable starting in winter
Parking sensors or rear view camera 5 000–20 000 Avoid scratches when parking
Protective film for windshield 8 000–25 000 Prevents cracks from stones
Trunk organizer 1 000–5 000 Convenient storage of tools and small items

⚠️ Attention: If you are installing an alarm or multimedia system, choose certified centers. Incorrect installation may result in fire (for example due to a short circuit) or warranty failure.

8. First trip: how to avoid getting fined

Even if you are an experienced driver, a new car requires special attention. Here's what the traffic police checks most often in the first days after purchase:

  • 🚦 Lack of compulsory motor liability insurance. Fine - 800 rubles. They check through the RSA database, so a fake policy will not save you.
  • 🔊 Incorrect tint. The light transmission of the windshield must be at least 70%, front side - 75%. Fine - 500 rubles.
  • 📱 Talking on the phone without a headset. Fine - 1,500 rubles.
  • 🚬 Smoking in the car when there are children. Fine - 3,000 rubles.
  • 🔥 Lack of fire extinguisher or first aid kit. Fine - 500 rubles.

💡 Helpful tip: For the first 1–2 weeks, take copies of all documents with you (DCP, PTS, STS, OSAGO). If the inspector stops and demands the originals, you will be able to show copies, and present the originals within 5 days at the traffic police department.

What to do if you are stopped without an STS?

If you were stopped in the first 10 days after purchase and you do not yet have a STS, show the inspector the DCP and PTS. By law, you have the right to drive a car without registration within 10 days from the date of purchase (Clause 3, Article 8 of Federal Law No. 283-FZ).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive without license plates in the first 10 days after purchase?

No. You can drive without license plates only when driving the car to the registration point (for example, from another city to yours). To do this you need to get transit numbers at the traffic police department. In other cases, the fine is 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights.

Do I need to pay transport tax if the car was purchased in December?

Yes, but the amount will be proportional to the number of months of ownership. For example, if you bought a car in December 2026, your 2026 tax will only be calculated for 1 month (December). The notification will come in 2026.

What to do if the previous owner did not deregister the car?

You have the right to register the car in your name even if the previous owner “forgot” to remove it. To do this, submit an application to the traffic police asking for compulsory registration. You need to have your DCP, PTS and your passport with you. The procedure is free and takes up to 30 days.

Is it possible to return a car to the dealership if you don’t like it?

According to the Law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights”, you can return a new car within 14 days, if it has not been in operation (mileage no more than 1 km). But showrooms often refuse to accept cars back, citing the individual properties of the product. In this case, you will have to go to court.

Is it necessary to change the oil in a new car?

Manufacturers claim that the oil in a new car does not need to be changed until the first maintenance (usually 15,000 km). However, experienced mechanics recommend doing "zero maintenance" after 1,000–2,000 km - this removes metal shavings that form during engine break-in.