Have you ever noticed a mysterious combination on license plates? EKH instead of the usual letters? These three symbols raise a lot of questions among drivers: what they mean, for which regions they are valid, and why some cars drive with such license plates. In this article we will analyze in detail all the nuances associated with the code. EKH - from official transcripts to practical design tips.

Since 2026, the rules for registering vehicles in Russia have undergone changes, and the code EKH began to meet more often. We will explain why these license plates are not issued in all regions, what advantages and limitations they carry, and what to do if you become the owner of a car with this combination. In addition, you will find out what fines you face for incorrect use of numbers with EKH and how to avoid problems with the traffic police.

What does EKH mean on car license plates: official transcript

Code EKH on license plates - this is special series, which is assigned to vehicles in certain regions of Russia. Unlike standard letter combinations (for example, A 123 AA 77), where the first letters indicate the series, and the numbers indicate the number, EKH has special meaning.

Officially EKH stands for "Unified Storage Code". This series was introduced to simplify the accounting of vehicles that:

  • 📌 Are in long-term storage (for example, in car dealerships or in customs warehouses).
  • 🚗 Belong to legal entities, but are not used constantly (for example, company vehicles).
  • 🔄 Subject to re-registration or disposal.

It is important to understand that EKH - this is not a whim of the traffic police, but part of the vehicle fleet control system. Such numbers are issued temporarily and must be replaced with standard ones when the vehicle is permanently registered. However, in practice, many drivers drive with EKH for years without knowing the possible consequences.

📊Have you ever seen numbers with the EKH code?
Yes, often
Yes, but rarely
No, we haven't met
I don't know what it is

For which regions does the EKH series apply: complete list

Despite the fact that EKH - federal series, it is not issued in all constituent entities of the Russian Federation. As of 2026, such numbers are actively used in the following regions:

Region Region code on the number Note
Moscow 77, 97, 99, 177, 197, 199 Most often EKH found on commercial vehicles
Moscow region 50, 90, 150, 190 Issued to car dealerships and logistics companies
St. Petersburg 78, 98, 178 Mainly for temporary registration
Krasnodar region 23, 93, 123 Used for tourist transport
Republic of Tatarstan 16, 116 Issued to legal entities upon mass registration of cars

If your region is not listed in the table, this does not mean that EKH does not occur there. In some cases, such plates may be issued upon individual request, for example, for transit vehicles or vehicles participating in government programs.

⚠️ Attention: If you buy a car with license plates EKH in a region where they are not common, make sure that the seller provides all documents confirming the legality of their issue. Otherwise, you will have to re-register the car at your own expense.

How to get numbers with EKX code: step-by-step instructions

The procedure for obtaining numbers with a series EKH different from standard registration. It is available only to a limited number of individuals and organizations. Here's who can claim these numbers:

  • 🏢 Legal entities (companies, car dealerships, logistics companies).
  • 🚛 Owners of commercial vehicles (taxi, trucks, buses).
  • 📦 Organizations involved in storing or recycling cars.
  • 🏛 Government agencies (in rare cases).

If you fall into one of these categories, follow the instructions:

Application on a special form of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate|Vehicle Passport (PTS)|Certificate of registration of a legal entity|Lease or ownership agreement for a place where a car is stored|Payment document confirming payment of the state duty (3,000–5,000 ₽)|Power of attorney (if a representative acts)-->

After submitting documents to the traffic police, you will be issued temporary license plates EKH for a period of 6 months (with the possibility of extension). Please note: these numbers cannot be used for continuous vehicle operation - they are intended only for limited purposes (storage, transit, test drives).

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If you are denied numbers EKH, try submitting documents through the electronic portal traffic police or contact your regional office with a written request for the reason for the refusal.

Is it possible to travel with EKH license plates all the time: risks and fines

Many drivers mistakenly believe that numbers with code EKH no different from ordinary ones. However, this is not true. According to Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1090 (clause 2.1.1), such numbers are intended exclusively for temporary use. If you are traveling with EKH longer than the permitted period, this is equivalent to driving a car with invalid registration plates.

What are the penalties for violations:

  • 📋 Driving with expired EKH license plates: 5,000–10,000 ₽ (Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, part 2).
  • 🚔 Lack of documents for temporary registration: 800–1,000 ₽ (Article 12.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, part 1).
  • 🔄 Failure to re-register a car on time: 1,500–2,000 ₽ (Article 19.22 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
  • 🚨 Forgery or use of other people's EKH numbers: deprivation of rights for 6–12 months or a fine of 40,000 rubles (Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, part 4).

In addition to fines, the traffic police inspector has the right to:

  • 🛑 Detain the vehicle until the violation is eliminated.
  • 📝 Draw up a protocol and send the car to the impound lot.
  • 🔍 Initiate a check for the legality of numbers.
⚠️ Attention: If you bought a car with license plates EKH, be sure to check them through the service car history checks. There are cases when such numbers were issued for stolen or credit cars, and the new owner becomes a victim of scammers.

How to reissue EKH numbers to regular ones: steps and cost

If you become the owner of a car with license plates EKH and want to change them to standard ones, follow the algorithm:

  1. Check the validity period of temporary numbers. Make sure they are not expired (otherwise you will have to pay a fine before re-registration).
  2. Collect documents:
    • 📄 Owner’s passport.
    • 📄 PTS (with a mark about the owner).
    • 📄 Vehicle registration certificate (if available).
    • 📄 OSAGO policy.
    • 📄 Receipt for payment of state duty (2,000 ₽ for new license plates + 500 ₽ for certificate).
  • Submit documents to the traffic police. This can be done:
    • 🏛 In person at the department.
    • 💻 Via Public services (with a 30% discount on duty).
    • 📱 At the MFC (if such a service is available in your region).
    • Get new numbers. The procedure usually takes 1–3 days.

    Cost of re-registration in 2026:

    • 💰 New registration plates: 2 000 ₽ (1,400 ₽ through State Services).
    • 💰 Certificate of registration: 500 ₽ (350 ₽ with discount).
    • 💰 Making changes to the PTS: 350 ₽ (245 ₽ with discount).
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    Re-registration from EKH for regular license plates is required if you plan to use the car constantly. Ignoring this rule leads to fines and problems when selling the car.

    Frequent scams involving EKH numbers: how to avoid becoming a victim

    Unfortunately, the series EKH often used by scammers to defraud car buyers. Let's look at the most common protection schemes and methods:

    • 🚗 "Clean" plates on a credit car. The seller claims that the car is not mortgaged, but in fact the numbers EKH were issued to the bank. After the purchase, the new owner becomes a debtor.
    • 🔄 Fake temporary numbers. Fraudsters are printing fake signs EKH for stolen or wanted cars.
    • 📉 Expired registration. The seller did not re-register the numbers on time, and the fines “hang” on the new owner.
    • 🔍 Hidden restrictions of the traffic police. The car may be wanted or have a registration ban.

    How to avoid being scammed:

    Check history via official website of the traffic police|Make sure that the PTS is original (with holograms and watermarks)|Request a certificate of no restrictions on registration|Check the numbers through the service Autocode|Do not transfer money before signing the sales contract-->

    If you have already become a victim of scammers, immediately:

    1. Contact the police with a report of fraud (Article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
    2. File a lawsuit to declare the transaction invalid.
    3. Contact the traffic police to deregister the car (if it is registered with the previous owner).
    What to do if a car purchased with an EKX turns out to be pledged?

    If the car was pledged and the seller hid this fact, you have the right:

    1. Terminate the purchase and sale agreement through the court.

    2. Demand compensation for damages from the seller.

    3. Contact the bank to reissue the loan to yourself (if you are ready to pay the debt).

    Important: do not delay the decision - the longer the car is pledged, the more fines and penalties will accumulate.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about EKH numbers

    Is it possible to sell a car with EKX plates?

    Yes, but the new owner will have to re-register the car within 10 days after the purchase. If the numbers EKH expired, sale is possible only after their replacement with standard ones.

    What happens if you don’t change the EKX to regular numbers?

    You will be driving with an invalid registration plate, which will result in a fine of up to 10 000 ₽ or deprivation of rights. In addition, in the event of an accident, the insurance company may refuse to pay, citing incorrect registration.

    Is it possible to travel abroad with EKH number plates?

    No. Temporary numbers EKH not valid outside Russia. To travel abroad, you must obtain standard registration plates and obtain an international vehicle registration certificate.

    How much does it cost to renew EKH numbers?

    Extension of temporary numbers EKH worth it 1 500–3 000 ₽ depending on the region. Maximum extension period - 6 months (total validity period cannot exceed 1 year).

    Can EKH numbers be issued to an individual?

    In exceptional cases - yes. For example, if you buy a car from a car dealership and need temporary plates for moving. However, this will require you to provide a sales contract and explain the reason for the request.