The question of which particular state registration mark (SRP) is assigned to presidential limousine Aurus Senat worries not only car enthusiasts, but also those who closely follow the country's protocol news. Unlike the reigns of previous heads of state, when the same legendary series were used, the transition to a domestic luxury car made adjustments to the visual appearance of the motorcade. At the moment the main number, which can be seen on Aurus Senat Vladimir Putin, is a combination EKH 777, although in different periods and for different cars of the special regiment garage other combinations could be used.
Changing the vehicle fleet from German ones Mercedes-Benz to Russian Aurus has become a landmark event, and numbering plays an important role here. State number on the car of the head of state is not just a vehicle identifier, but a complex element of the security system and protocol. It informs other traffic participants and security services about the passenger's status, requiring special attention and compliance with traffic rules in accordance with the escort regulations. It is important to understand that numbers may change depending on the event, the region where the motorcade is located, or the specific tasks of the security service.
In this article we will examine in detail the history of the appearance of the EKX series, what the numbers 777 mean, how such signs are legally issued and why they cannot simply be purchased on the secondary market. We will also touch on other vehicles in the motorcade, such as Aurus Komendant or Aurus Arsenal, and their numbering. Officially, the presidential Aurus is currently assigned the number EKH 777, which is a direct reference to the famous "e-ka-ha" era of the 90s, but in a modern, updated format.
History of the EKH series: from Yeltsin to the present day
Abbreviation EKH has already become legendary in the Russian automotive world. Many people mistakenly believe that these letters are a random set or have a hidden sarcastic meaning associated with the famous phrase “I eat as I want.” However, the official version says that the letters indicate the name of one of the leaders of the special purpose garage (GON) in the 90s - E.K. Khrenova. It was under him that the active use of cars with such indexation began for the needs of the highest government authorities.
The first car with this number was a black limousine ZIL-41047 Boris Yeltsin. Later, with the advent of Vladimir Putin as head of state, the tradition of using the EKX series was preserved, only the numbers of the region and car models were changed. At first it was Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard with the number EKH 101, then, with the introduction of three-digit area codes, the famous EKH 777. This number became a symbol of presidential power on the roads for many years.
With the transition to a domestic project Aurus (formerly known as "Cortege"), the logic remains the same. The car of the head of state must carry a recognizable identifier, which is instantly read by traffic police officers and security services throughout the country. The return to the numbers 777 on the new Russian car was a symbolic gesture emphasizing continuity and status. Now EKH 777 flaunts not on a German sedan, but on a heavy, armored one Aurus Senat.
Technical features and room design
The state registration plate on an FSO car is not just a metal plate with painted symbols. This is a high-tech product that meets the strictest GOST standards. For presidential Aurus special execution numbers are used. They are made from durable materials that are resistant to mechanical stress, temperature changes and aggressive chemicals, which can be used on roads in winter. Numbers and letters are printed on them using hot stamping or high-class reflective film.
It is important to note that the number format EKH 777 refers to the so-called “flashing light” or, more correctly, to the series numbers with flags (although the flags themselves are not drawn on the EKX number, they imply special signals). The format "three letters + three numbers + region code" is standard for passenger cars, but the combination of letters EKX is reserved exclusively for special purpose garages. No private individual can legally obtain such a number for his civilian vehicle, even if he is willing to pay a huge amount.
Attaching the license plate to Aurus Senat also has its own characteristics. Considering that the car often undergoes modernization and is equipped with additional equipment (cameras, loudspeaker speakers, additional headlights), the license plate frame must be universal and reliable. The motorcade uses special frames that allow you to quickly change numbers (if required by the protocol) and provide rigid fixation, eliminating rattling at high speeds.
Please note that installing special signals (“flashing lights”) or using EKX series numbers on civilian vehicles is a criminal offense under Article 326 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
Legal status and impossibility of purchase
Many car enthusiasts, passionate about tuning and the desire to stand out, often look for information about how much a license plate costs EKH 777. The answer is clear: this number cannot be purchased. It is in federal ownership and is registered with the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Special Purpose Garage” of the Office of the President of the Russian Federation. The circulation of such marks on the market is prohibited by law. Any advertisement for the sale of a "copy" or "duplicate" with such letters is either a scam or an offer for illegally manufactured signs.
The use of counterfeit license plates or signs imitating presidential ones entails serious liability. According to the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO RF), the installation of license plates that do not comply with GOST may result in a fine and confiscation. If it is proven that the owner of the car deliberately tried to imitate a special services vehicle (for example, by installing similar letters and flashing lights), the matter may lead to criminal liability for arbitrariness or hooliganism.
The table below compares the legal status of different types of numbers to eliminate confusion:
| Room type | Owner | Possibility of purchase | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special series (FSO, Ministry of Internal Affairs) | Government bodies | Impossible | EKH 777, A 001 MR |
| "Beautiful" room | Individuals / Organizations | Through an auction or car purchase | A 777 AA 777 |
| Transit number | Temporary registration | Issued upon purchase | 0000 X 00 |
| Diplomatic | Foreign embassies | Impossible | 001 K 002 77 |
Thus, presidential number is an attribute of state power, not a luxury item. Its presence on a car automatically gives the driver (who is always a security officer) special rights and responsibilities regulated by road safety laws for vehicles traveling in a motorcade.
Escorting the motorcade and traffic rules
Room availability EKH 777 on Aurus implies that the car is moving as part of an organized column or motorcade with special light and sound signals turned on. In this mode, the actions of drivers are regulated by clause 3.2 of the Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation. According to this paragraph, drivers are required to give way to vehicles that have special color graphics applied to their external surfaces, with blue or blue and red flashing lights turned on and a special sound signal.
However, even having “car blanche” in the form of a special license plate and flashing lights, the driver of the presidential Aurus is obliged to comply with traffic rules to the extent that does not contradict the performance of an urgent official task. This means that maneuvers are carried out with maximum safety, and the speed is selected taking into account the road situation. The motorcade is escorted by traffic police motorcyclists and cover vehicles, which block intersections, ensuring unhindered and safe passage of the head of state.
What to do if you encounter a motorcade?
If you see a moving column of cars ahead with their flashing lights on, do not try to wedge yourself between them. Change to the far right lane in advance or stop at the side of the road. Interrupting a motorcade is not only dangerous, but also fraught with serious consequences when communicating with the traffic police.
Interestingly, in recent years, the practice of using open motorcades with the constant activation of “squealers” (sirens) in cities has become less common, giving way to more secretive movement or the use of navigation support (“green wave”). However, the number EKH 777 remains an unchanged identifier that is known to all patrols along the route.
Other cars in the motorcade: numbering
Presidential Aurus Senat rarely moves alone. He is surrounded by security, technical support and escort vehicles. The numbering of these cars also refers to special series, but may differ from the presidential one. You can often find cars with series numbers AMR (Presidential Administration / Moscow region), KKK, HKK or OKO. These series are also assigned to government garage and security structures.
A modern tuple may include:
- Aurus Senat — the main car of the president (number EKH 777).
- Aurus Senat — a backup car (a technical copy with an identical appearance to confuse potential threats).
- Aurus Komendant - a new full-size SUV, which is beginning to be used for security and escort.
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class or BMW X5/X7 - vehicles of the rapid response and route reconnaissance group (often with AMP numbers or regular ones, but with flashing lights).
- Ford Focus (policeman) - traffic police escort vehicles walking at the head and tail of the column.
Each car in the tuple has its own role and, accordingly, its own priority in numbering. For example, a backup car may have a license plate very similar to the main one, or, conversely, unremarkable so as not to attract attention if no one is in it at that moment. Security Service carefully plans the placement of cars before each departure.
☑️Tuple elements
Aurus Senate: characteristics and safety of the number
Himself Aurus Senatcarrying on board presidential number, is a complex engineering complex. This is not just a sedan, but an armored car that can withstand explosions and bullet wounds. The car body is reinforced, the glass is up to 80 mm thick, and the tires, even when punctured, can travel several tens of kilometers. In such conditions, the license plate is only an external attribute, although it is important for visual identification by “one of our own”.
Installing a license plate on an armored door requires special fastenings. Ordinary bolts will not work here, as they must withstand the vibrations of a heavy (more than 3 tons) car and not deform under possible impact. Moreover, in the design Aurus systems are provided for washing off dirt from license plates, which allows them to remain readable in any weather - a critical parameter for special vehicles.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to take a close-up photo of the license plates of the motorcade or to use drones for filming may be regarded by the security service as a security threat. In areas where events are being held with the participation of top officials, a filming restriction regime is in effect.
Technical condition Aurus with EKH number 777 is monitored daily. Before each departure, all systems are checked, including the fastening of external elements, which includes the license plate. Any wear or defect on the number plate is unacceptable for a car of this level.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to buy EKH 777 at auction?
No, that's impossible. The number EKH 777 is assigned to the vehicle of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "GON" of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation. It is not privately owned and is not offered for sale or auction. Any offer to sell is a scam.
What region is indicated on the Presidential number?
On the current number EKH 777 The region code indicated is 777, which formally refers to Moscow. Previously, code 101 was used. The region code on special license plates often does not correspond to the place of registration of the owner in the usual sense, but indicates membership in federal structures based in the capital.
Does the President have several numbers on Aurus?
Yes, there are several cars in the GON garage Aurus Senat. The main vehicle in which the president travels bears the number EKX 777. Other vehicles of the “Cortege” project, used for escort or as backup, may have other numbers of the EKX, AMP series or other special series.
What does the abbreviation EKH mean?
The official version is that the letters EKH are the initials of the former head of the Special Purpose Garage E.K. Khrenova. Unofficial interpretations like “I eat as I want” are folk humor and have no documentary basis.
Can an ordinary citizen get a number with three identical digits?
It is theoretically possible to obtain a number with a “criminal” combination (for example, 777, 999) through the purchase of a car with such a number or at specialized auctions, if such numbers are in free circulation. However, the combination of letters EKH is available only to government agencies.
The license plate EKH 777 on the Aurus is not just a “beautiful” combination, but a strictly protected state attribute, the use of which by private individuals is prohibited by law.