A situation when a driver discovers the absence of state registration plates (GRP) on his car can arise suddenly and cause a serious conflict with traffic police officers. Whether it is a technical malfunction of the fasteners, theft of plates while parked, or simple forgetfulness after washing - the consequences of driving such a vehicle are strictly regulated by the legislation of the Russian Federation. Many car enthusiasts mistakenly believe that having license plates in the passenger compartment or trunk exempts them from liability, but the law requires their installation in specially designated areas.
In this article we will analyze in detail which article of the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO RF) regulates this issue, what is the size of the current fines this year and whether the violator faces the seizure of the vehicle. Understanding the intricacies of the law will help you avoid illegal actions on the part of inspectors and save your budget.
Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation: legal basis for punishment
The main regulatory act regulating liability for driving a car without registration plates is Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. It clearly defines that the vehicle must be registered, and the license plates must be set in accordance with GOST requirements. Violation of the rules for installing state registration plates on motor vehicles entails the imposition of an administrative fine.
It is important to understand that the law does not distinguish between “forgotten at home”, “stolen in the parking lot” or “unscrewed yourself”. If at the time of a stop by a traffic police inspector the license plates are missing or not installed according to the rules, this is classified as an offense. According to Part 2 of Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, driving a vehicle without state registration plates entails the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount five thousand rubles.
Moreover, in addition to monetary penalties, the legislation provides for the use of measures to ensure proceedings in an administrative offense case in the form vehicle detention. This means that the car will be placed in a specialized parking lot until the reason for the detention is eliminated, that is, until the license plates are installed. The costs of evacuation and storage in this case are borne by the owner.
Driving a car without license plates is a fine of 5,000 rubles and mandatory detention (evacuation) of the car to an impound lot.
It is worth noting that Article 12.2 also considers cases of installing signs in places not provided for by the design, or modifying them. For example, if the number is simply lying on the dashboard or taped to the windshield, this is also considered a violation of the installation rules. The inspector has the right to issue an order and initiate evacuation.
Fines and liability: table of violations
The size of the punishment directly depends on the nature of the violation committed. The legislation differentiates liability for the absence of numbers, their unreadability and forgery. The table below shows the main types of violations associated with state registration marks and the corresponding sanctions.
| Violation | Part of Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation | Punishment | Additional measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control without GRZ | Part 2 | Fine 5000 rub. | Vehicle detention |
| Unreadable or non-standard GRZ | Part 1 | Warning or fine 500 rubles. | No |
| Installing a gas distribution device in an unintended location | Part 1 | Warning or fine 500 rubles. | No |
| Setting up fake numbers | Part 4 | Fine 5000 rub. or deprivation of rights (3-6 months) | Confiscation of items |
As can be seen from the table, the most severe punishment faces those who try to hide the number or use fakes. In such cases, it is no longer just about a fine, but about risk. deprivation of driver's license for a period of three to six months. License plates that are manufactured independently, do not comply with GOST, or have altered symbols (for example, taped-over letters or numbers) are considered to be counterfeit.
The situation with unreadable numbers deserves special attention. If a sign is dirty with snow, mud or damaged so that it is impossible to read at least one letter or number from a distance of 20 meters, this falls under Part 1 of Article 12.2. In this case, the inspector may limit himself to a warning or a minimal fine, but must require the license plate to be cleaned on the spot.
Always carry wet wipes and a rag with you. If the rooms become dirty in bad weather, it is better to wipe them yourself before the inspector stops, in order to avoid even a formal reason for a fine.
Temporary registration plates and transit numbers
The issue of temporary license plates often causes confusion among drivers. It is worth noting right away: the concept of “temporary license plates” in its usual form (metallic red or white signs on a paper basis) has been abolished in Russia. Now, when purchasing a new car at a dealership or when moving a vehicle, you are issued metal registration plates with a region code, which are valid until permanent registration or within the established period.
If the car is in the process of registration and has a temporary registration certificate (pink plastic card), but has standard metal plates, there should be no problem. However, if you have just bought a car and have not yet received license plates, you will be issued transit numbers (paper or new metal "Transit"). Driving with them is equivalent to having a permanent registration, but only during their validity period (usually up to 20 days).
Driving a car with expired transit license plates is equivalent to driving without registration. This means the application of Part 1 of Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (fine 500-800 rubles), and in case of repeated violation - a fine of 5000 rubles or deprivation of rights for up to 3 months. It is important to follow the dates indicated in the documents.
What to do if numbers are stolen or lost?
The most unpleasant situation for a driver is discovering that the license plates are missing after returning to the parked car. Move under your own power in such a vehicle strictly prohibited. Even if you are driving to the nearest auto parts store or to the traffic police, you will be stopped and fully sanctioned, including evacuation.
The first step should be to contact the police to report the theft or loss of registration plates. This is necessary not only to record the fact, but also to protect yourself from possible fines for violations committed on your numbers by third parties. After receiving a notification coupon about registration of the application, you can legally order duplicates.
You don’t have to go to the traffic police to restore your license plates. Since 2019, Russia has had a system for producing duplicates in specialized organizations. If one of the signs has survived, a duplicate will be made from it. If both are stolen, you will need a vehicle registration certificate (VRC) and the owner’s passport. The whole process takes about 30-60 minutes.
☑️ Procedure for stealing numbers
Is it possible to go to the traffic police without license plates?
No, you can't. Even with a statement from the police, driving a vehicle without license plates is prohibited. You will have to call a tow truck or bring the numbers separately to install them on site, or use the services of a mobile team to make duplicates.
Technical requirements for installing numbers
Just “having” the numbers is not enough - they must be set correctly. According to GOST R 50577-2011, state registration plates must be installed on the vehicle in places intended for their fastening. The front number is attached in the center or shifted to the left (in the direction of travel), the rear number is in the center or to the right.
It is strictly prohibited:
- 🚫 Cover the numbers with frames with inscriptions that overlap the numbers or letters (especially the region code and the designation “RUS”).
- 🚫 Install numbers at an angle that makes them unreadable, or use transparent films that create glare.
- 🚫 Attach numbers to a bumper that is not intended for this (if there is a regular place), or use non-standard bolts that hide the symbols.
- 🚫 Paint or damage the surface of the sign.
Traffic police inspectors often pay attention to the plastic frames that cover the edge of the sign. If the frame overlaps at least part of the symbol, this can be regarded as a violation of the installation rules (Part 1 of Article 12.2) or even as hiding the number (Part 4 of Article 12.2), which threatens deprivation of rights. Be careful when purchasing decorative frames - they must meet the requirements.
The number frame must not cover any characters, including the area code and flag. The ideal option is a frame without inscriptions or with minimal branding that does not overlap the field of the sign.
Procedure for detaining and towing a vehicle
If the inspector notes the absence of license plates, he draws up a report on the administrative offense and a report on the detention of the vehicle. From this moment the car becomes a participant in the evacuation procedure. The driver is asked to eliminate the reason for the detention on the spot (for example, if the license plates are found in the trunk, install them).
If it is impossible to establish the numbers (they are decorated or lost), the car is loaded onto a tow truck and sent to a special parking lot. To call a tow truck, procedural requirements must be met: presence of witnesses or video recording of the process, drawing up an inventory of things in the cabin. The driver has the right to be present during loading.
It is important to know that you can pick up a car from the impound lot only after the reason for the detention has been eliminated. That is, you will still have to find the numbers (order duplicates, bring them from home) and install them. Only after this, by presenting the documents and license plates to the inspector or at the parking lot, will you be able to return the vehicle. You can pay the fine and parking services later, within 60 days, although many parking lots require payment immediately.
How much does towing and storage cost?
The cost of evacuation depends on the region and the power of the car (usually from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles). Storage is also paid daily (from RUB 1,000/day). In some regions, the first day of storage is free.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to drive with license plates if they have not yet been installed?
No, this is a direct violation of Article 12.2 Part 2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. License plates must be installed in their original locations. Their presence in the vehicle is regarded as driving a vehicle without license plates, with all the ensuing consequences: a fine of 5,000 rubles. and evacuation.
What happens if the room becomes dirty with snow or mud while traveling?
If the number has become unreadable due to weather conditions, this falls under Part 1 of Art. 12.2. Typically, inspectors limit themselves to a warning or a fine of 500 rubles, requiring the sign to be cleared. The main thing is to do this immediately at the request of a traffic police officer.
Is there a risk of deprivation of license for driving without license plates for the first time?
For a simple lack of license plates (Part 2 of Article 12.2), deprivation of rights is not provided, only a fine of 5,000 rubles. Deprivation of rights (from 3 to 6 months) threatens only for installing counterfeit (fake) numbers or for modifying them in order to hide data (Part 4 of Article 12.2).
How quickly can you duplicate a number?
In specialized duplication centers (licensed), the process takes from 15 to 60 minutes. You will need a passport, STS and, preferably, a surviving second number or a photo of the lost one.
Is it possible to pay a fine with a discount?
Yes, the fine under Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (both part 1 and part 2) is included in the list of violations that are subject to a 50% discount if paid within 20 days from the date of the decision.