You parked your car in a paid parking lot, and next to the usual sign "R" a mysterious sign hangs 101520. What does it mean? Is it possible to stand here for free? Or do you risk getting a fine with evacuation? Let's look at it in detail - without legal terms, but with clear instructions for drivers.

This code is not a random set of numbers, but unique parking space identifier, which is used in automated parking control systems. Its presence means that the parking lot is equipped with cameras recording violations, and data about your car can be transferred to Traffic Management Center (TCOC) or a private operator. In 2026, such signs are actively being introduced in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other million-plus cities - so it is dangerous to ignore them.

In this article you will learn:

  • 🔍 What exactly does code 101520 mean? and how does it relate to paying for parking?
  • 📜 What laws govern such parking lots? (links to current traffic rules and local regulations)
  • 💰 How much will you have to pay for violation? and how to challenge the fine
  • 🚗 Step by step instructionsHow to park under this sign correctly

We warn you right away: ignoring sign 101520 can result not only in a fine of 5,000 rubles, but also in the evacuation of the car to an impound lot - even if you left the car “for five minutes”. Read on to avoid these problems.

What is sign 101520: official transcript

Code 101520 - this is parking space identifier in the system Automated control of paid parking (automatic transmission). It is assigned to each parking area where special payment and control rules apply. Here's what's behind these numbers:

  • 📌 10 - region code (for example, 77 for Moscow, 78 for St. Petersburg). In our case 10 may refer to a test site or a specific municipal district.
  • 📌 15 — number of the parking zone within the region (usually corresponds to the administrative division of the city).
  • 📌 20 — serial number of a specific parking space or group of spaces.

Important: this code is not a traffic sign in the classical sense (it is not in the traffic rules). This additional plate, which works together with the sign 6.4 (“Parking”) and indicates:

  • 💳 Mandatory payment (even if there is no parking meter nearby)
  • 📷 Availability of video recording cameras that scan car license plates
  • ⚖️ Possibility of automatic generation of fines without the participation of an inspector
📊Have you ever seen the 101520 sign in a parking lot?
Yes, often
Yes, but I didn't know what it was
No, this is the first time I've heard of it
I don't park in paid parking lots

Such signs appeared within Federal Law No. 437-FZ (about paid parking) and local regulations. For example, in Moscow they were introduced according to Government Decree No. 850-PP from 2021. The main goal is to fight “freeloaders” who take up space but don’t pay.

⚠️ Attention! If under the sign 6.4 there's a sign hanging 101520, this means that your car will be automatically verified for payment 5 minutes after stopping. No receipt - there will be a fine.

How does parking control work with code 101520?

The system for recording violations at such parking lots is based on number plate recognition (ANPR). Here's how it happens step by step:

  1. The camera scans the number your car when entering the parking lot.
  2. The system checks the payment in the database (via traffic police or parking operator).
  3. If payment is not found within 5 minutes, a violation protocol is generated.
  4. The fine arrives in the mail (according to State services) or via SMS.

Features of the system:

  • ⏱️ 5 minutes of “grace time” — so much is given for payment after the stop. If you don't make it in time, there's a fine.
  • 📱 Payment only through apps (Parking lots in Moscow, Parking Tonar, SMS or terminals). Cash is not accepted!
  • 🚗 Preferential categories (disabled people, veterans) must confirm their status in the system in advance.
Driver action Consequence Fine (2026)
Didn't pay for parking Camera capture, fine 5,000 ₽ (Article 8.14 of the Administrative Code)
Paid, but not on time (after 5 minutes) Fine (grace time has expired) 5 000 ₽
Paid, but the number is not recognized There may be a fine (you need to dispute it) 0 ₽ (upon confirmation of payment)
Parking longer than the paid time Fine for every hour of delay 2,500 ₽ + 1,000 ₽/hour
💡

If you paid for parking, but received a fine, save the receipt (screenshot from the application) and appeal via traffic police portal. In 80% of cases such fines are canceled.

It is important to understand: cameras record not only lack of payment, but also:

  • 🅿️ Parking contrary to the markings (even if you paid for it).
  • 🚫 Parking in a disabled space without a sign.
  • ⏳ Exceeding the paid parking time.

Where sign 101520 occurs: map of risk areas

In 2026, such signs are most common in:

  • 🏙️ Central districts of Moscow (Tverskoy, Arbat, Presnensky).
  • 🏢 Business districts (Moscow City, Leningradsky Prospekt).
  • 🛍️ Areas near shopping centers (“Afimoll”, “European”, “Gallery”).
  • 🚆 Train stations and airports (Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Kazansky station).

In St. Petersburg, similar signs (with different codes) appeared on:

  • Nevsky Prospekt,
  • near the metro stations "Gostiny Dvor" and "Mayakovskaya",
  • in the historical center (near the Hermitage).
Complete list of addresses with signs 101520

According to Moscow data center, as of June 2026, such signs have been installed in 1,200 parking lots. Exact addresses can be checked at official website (section “Map of paid parking” → filter “With automated control”).

How to recognize a danger zone:

⚠️ Attention! If you see a sign 6.4 ("Parking") without specifying the payment method, but with a sign 101520 - this is a sure sign of automatic control. Don’t count on “maybe”: the cameras work 24/7.

Fines for violation: how much you have to pay

The size of the fine depends on the region and type of violation. Current tariffs for 2026:

Violation Moscow St. Petersburg Regions
Unpaid parking 5 000 ₽ 3 000 ₽ 1 500–2 500 ₽
Late payment (more than 5 minutes) 5 000 ₽ 3 000 ₽ 2 000 ₽
Parking available for disabled people 5,000 ₽ + evacuation 5,000 ₽ + evacuation 5 000 ₽
Exceeding the payment time 2,500 ₽ + 1,000 ₽/hour 1,500 ₽ + 500 ₽/hour 1 000 ₽

Important: in Moscow and St. Petersburg the fines are higher than in the regions due to local coefficients. For example, in Kazan you will pay 1,500 ₽ for the same unpaid parking, and in Sochi - 2,500 ₽.

What to do if you receive a fine:

Check the payment receipt (screenshot, SMS, receipt)|Take a photo of sign 101520 and markings|Fill out a complaint for traffic police website|Attach evidence|Track the status of the complaint (review period is 10 days)-->

⚠️ Attention! If you paid for parking, but still received a fine - don't ignore him. There may be an error in the traffic police database (for example, the camera did not recognize the license plate). Appeal within 10 days - otherwise the fine will double.

How to park correctly under sign 101520: step-by-step instructions

To avoid fines, follow this algorithm:

  1. Stop and check the sign:
    • 🔹 Must be 6.4 (“Parking”) + sign 101520.
    • 🔹 Pay attention to additional signs (for example, 8.6.1 - method of staging).
  2. Pay for parking in advance:
    • 📱 Through the application (Parking lots in Moscow, Parking Tonar, Yandex.Parking).
    • 💳 Through the terminal (if there is one nearby).
    • 📞 By SMS (send your car number to 7757 in Moscow).
  3. Make sure the payment has gone through:
    • 🔹 Check SMS or push notification.
    • 🔹 Save the receipt (screenshot).
  • Park according to the markings:
    • 🔹 Don't take up two places.
    • 🔹 Do not stand at a zebra crossing or pedestrian crossing.

    If you beneficiary (disabled person, veteran, parent of many children), in advance:

    • 📋 Register in the system parking.mos.ru (for Moscow).
    • 🚗 Attach the car number to the benefit.
    • 📄 Have a document confirming the benefit with you (in case of inspection by an inspector).
    💡

    Even if you are a beneficiary, be sure to register your car in the paid parking system. Without this, the cameras will not know about your right to free parking and will issue a fine.

    Common driver mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even experienced motorists fall for these “rake”:

    • ❌ “I’ll pay later” — cameras record the violation within 5 minutes. Solution: pay up to after they got out of the car.
    • ❌ “There is no parking meter here, which means it’s free.” - sign 101520 means payment is online. Solution: Use mobile apps.
    • ❌ “If I parked my car for 10 minutes, they won’t have time to fine me.” — cameras work in real time. Solution: even for a short stop, pay the minimum fare (usually 15–30 rubles).
    • ❌ "The benefit is automatic" — without registering in the system you will be fined. Solution: Check the number link on the parking website.

    Another common problem is errors in license plate recognition. If the camera counted characters incorrectly (for example, A instead of A), the fine will be sent to the “left” number. In this case:

    1. Check the photo of the violation on the traffic police website.
    2. If the number is not yours, appeal the fine as erroneous.
    3. If the number is yours, but payment was made, attach a receipt.

    Alternatives to paid parking with code 101520

    If you don't want to pay or risk fines, use these options:

    • 🅿️ Free parking:
      • 🔹 In residential areas (outside the Garden Ring in Moscow).
      • 🔹 In metro parking lots (usually free for passengers).
      • 🔹 In shopping centers (for example, “Mega”, “Ikea” - the first 2-3 hours are free).
    • 🚇 Park & Ride parking lots:
      • 🔹 Near the Alma-Atinskaya and Bratislavskaya metro stations (Moscow).
      • 🔹 Cost: 50–100 ₽/day (cheaper than in the center).
    • 🏠 Private parking:
      • 🔹 Services like Parkopedia or Parking show the nearest parking lots with prices.
      • 🔹 Sometimes cheaper than municipal parking (for example, 100 ₽/hour vs 200 ₽ in the center).

    Warning: Avoid "gray" parking lots without signs or markings. Even if there is a “guard” in a vest standing there, it could be an impostor - and the tow truck will arrive unexpectedly.

    How to find free parking in the city center?

    Use maps marked with free zones (e.g. Yandex.Maps or Google Maps turn on the “Parking” layer). In Moscow you can stand for free:

    • On the streets behind the TTK (Third Transport Ring).
    • In some yards (but check the signs!).
    • In church and hospital parking lots (usually unmonitored).

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to challenge a fine for parking under sign 101520 if I paid but did not save the receipt?

    Yes, but it will be more difficult. You need:

    1. Contact your bank or mobile operator for an account statement (if you paid by card or SMS).
    2. Request data from the parking operator (for example, through the application Parking lots in Moscow).
    3. Write a complaint to the traffic police with evidence attached.

    If there is no evidence, the fine will most likely remain.

    What happens if you don't pay a parking fine?

    70 days after the decision is made:

    • The fine will double (from 5,000 rubles to 10,000 rubles).
    • The case may be referred to bailiffs.
    • There may be problems with traveling abroad (if the debt is more than 10,000 rubles).

    In addition, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, for non-payment of fines they may block registration actions with the car (it will not be possible to sell or re-register).

    Do cameras work in parking lots with code 101520 at night?

    Yes, cameras record violations around the clock. Moreover, control may be stricter at night, since there are fewer cars and it is easier to track down violators.

    Exception: if on the sign 6.4 the validity period is indicated (for example, 8:00–20:00), then parking is free the rest of the time. But the sign 101520 usually means the cameras are always running.

    Can I park under sign 101520 with a disabled parking permit?

    Yes, but subject to the following conditions:

    • There must be a sign on the car "Disabled".
    • The driver or passenger must have with them certificate of disability.
    • The car number must be registered in the preferential parking system (in Moscow - on the website parking.mos.ru).

    If at least one condition is not met - a fine of 5,000 ₽ + evacuation.

    How can I find out if sign 101520 is in effect in a particular parking lot?

    Check:

    1. Availability of sign 101520 under the sign 6.4.
    2. Information on the local website Data Center or in the app Parking.
    3. Reviews from other drivers (for example, in Yandex.Maps or 2GIS).

    If in doubt, better pay for parking. The fine will cost more.