How to correctly transfer license plates to a car: instructions with photos and tips

Re-hanging license plates on a car is a procedure that every car owner faces when purchasing a used car, replacing registration plates or installing new mounts. At first glance, the task seems simple, but there are a lot of nuances here: from the correct choice of fasteners to compliance with traffic police requirements. Mistakes can lead not only to fines, but also to problems when passing a technical inspection or selling a car.

In this article we will analyze in detail the entire process: from preparing tools to fixing numbers on the body. You will find out what fastenings are legal, how to avoid damage to the paintwork, and what to do if the old holes do not line up with the new signs. Let us dwell separately on legal aspects - when changing the number plates requires mandatory notification to the traffic police, and when you can do without a visit to the inspectorate.

The material will be useful for both beginners and experienced car owners. We have collected up-to-date information for 2026, taking into account the latest changes in traffic regulations and recommendations from manufacturers of fastening systems. All tips have been tested in practice and comply with the requirements of GOST R 50577-2018, which regulates the installation of registration plates.

When is a number change required?

There are many more situations in which you have to remove and install license plates than you think. Here are the most common cases:

• 🔄 Buying a used car — new license plates are issued in the name of the new owner, old ones must be removed
• 🔧 Replacing damaged signs — if the numbers are bent, scratched or become unreadable
• 🚗 Installation on another car - when re-registering a vehicle
• 🔩 Replacing fasteners - if the old bolts are rusty or do not hold the signs
• 🎨 Bumper/body painting or repair - numbers are removed so as not to damage
• 🛠️ Installation of additional equipment - for example, parking sensors or cameras that interfere with mounting

It is important to understand that rehanging license plates without changing registration data does not require mandatory notification to the traffic police only in case of replacement of fasteners or temporary removal (for example, for painting). If you change the signs themselves (even if you keep the license plates), you need to make changes to the State Traffic Inspectorate database.

⚠️ Attention: Since 2023, a fine of 500 rubles will be imposed for driving with unreadable or incorrectly installed license plates (Part 1 of Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). If the signs are covered or installed in the wrong place, the fine increases to 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1-3 months.

Preparing for rehanging: tools and materials

Before you start work, prepare everything you need. Not only the speed of the process, but also the safety of your car’s paintwork depends on the correct choice of tools. Here's a complete list of what you'll need:

Pay special attention to the choice of bolts. In 2026, strict requirements for mounting license plates apply:

• 🔩 The bolts must be not shorter than 16 mm (optimally 16-20 mm)
• 🔧 Nuts are required self-locking (with nylon insert) or with spring washers
• 🛡️ Between metal parts and the body there must be rubber gaskets
• 🎨 The color of the bolts is not regulated, but it is better to choose black or gray - they are less noticeable

If you plan to drill new holes, you will additionally need a drill with a metal drill bit with a diameter of 5.5 mm and a punch for marking. Remember that Drilling the body requires care - an error can lead to corrosion or the need to repair the bumper.

Step-by-step instructions for removing old numbers

We start by dismantling the old license plates. This process can take from 5 to 30 minutes depending on the condition of the fastenings. Here are the detailed instructions:

1. Clean the area around the rooms from dirt. Use water and a soft brush to avoid scratching the paint. If the numbers are glued (which is prohibited, but sometimes happens), carefully pry them off with a plastic spatula.

2. Treat all bolts WD-40 or similar lubricant. Wait 5-10 minutes - this will help unscrew even heavily rusted fasteners. If corrosion is severe, you can add a few drops of brake fluid.

3. If the bolts do not budge, try the following methods:

   • 🔧 Use a socket wrench instead of a screwdriver - it gives more force
   • 🔨 Gently tap the key with a hammer (not the bolt!)
   • 🔥 Heat the bolt with a hair dryer (be careful not to overheat the plastic!)

Pay special attention to the condition of the threads in the body holes. If it is damaged, the new bolts will not hold tightly. In such cases it helps:

• 🔧 Repair bushings - inserted into an enlarged hole
• 🔩 Larger diameter bolts (M6 instead of M5) - if metal thickness allows
• 🛠️ Epoxy resin — for thread restoration (temporary solution)

⚠️ Attention: Never use self-tapping screws to attach numbers! They damage the paintwork, rust and can cause body corrosion. This is a direct violation of GOST R 50577-2018.

Installing new numbers: step-by-step process

Now we move on to the most important stage - installing license plates. Here it is important to comply not only with technical requirements, but also with legal standards. Let's start with preparation:

1. Place the new numbers on the bumper, aligning the holes. Check that the signs are there strictly horizontal - use a level or attach a ruler. The permissible slope is no more than 3°.

2. If the holes do not line up, carefully mark new points with a center punch. Remember that:

   • 📏 The distance between the centers of the holes should be 112 ± 1 mm for front number
   • 📏 For the rear number - 210 ± 1 mm between the outer holes
   • 📏 Indent from the edge of the number to the first hole - 20 ± 1 mm

Body → rubber gasket → metal washer → number → rubber gasket → washer → nut

After installation, check:

• 🔍 Readability of numbers from a distance of 20 meters in the daytime
• 📏 Gaps — there should be 10-15 mm between the number plate and the body for air circulation
• 🔧 Fastening strength - try shaking the number slightly with your hand
• 🎨 No damage paint around holes

For vehicles with tinted windows or darkened headlights, pay special attention to the illumination of the rear license plate. According to GOST R 41.4-99, illumination must be at least 20 lux on the surface of the sign. You can check this using a lux meter or visually in the dark.

Legal aspects: when to go to the traffic police

Many car owners mistakenly believe that any change in license plates requires a visit to the State Traffic Inspectorate. In fact, it all depends on the specific situation. Let's figure out when it is necessary to notify the traffic police, and when you can do without it.

Mandatory notification is required in the following cases:

• 🔄 Replacing license plates (even if the numbers remain the same, but the physical plates change)
• 🚗 Car re-registration to the new owner
• 🔧 Design change Places for attaching license plates (for example, installation on the trunk instead of the bumper)
• 📄 Loss or damage registration plates with obtaining new ones

No notice is required if you:

• 🔩 You only change fasteners (bolts, nuts, gaskets)
• 🎨 Temporarily renting rooms for painting or repair body
• 🔧 Reinstall numbers after repair into the same holes

Important: even if you are not required to go to the traffic police, keep receipts for the purchase of new mounts or license plates. If stopped by a traffic police officer, you may be required to confirm the legality of the changes.

⚠️ Attention: On January 1, 2026, a new regulation came into force, according to which, when replacing license plates, it is necessary to present not only a passport and STS, but also documents for fasteners (checks or certificates of conformity). This rule applies when applying to the MREO.

If you are in doubt whether a visit to the traffic police is required in your situation, use the official verification service on the website State services or call the State Traffic Inspectorate hotline. Since 2026, a special chatbot has been working there to help deal with your case.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when rearranging license plates. Here are the most common problems and how to prevent them:

1. Skewed numbers - Occurs when bolts are unevenly tightened. Always use a torque wrench or tighten in a crisscross pattern. The permissible skew is no more than 1.5 mm per meter of length.

2. Paint damage - occurs when drilling without protection. Always use masking tape and drill at low speed (400-600 rpm).

3. Fastening corrosion - if you do not use galvanized bolts or lubricant. Process fasteners Litolom-24 or Movilem.

4. Non-compliance with GOST - for example, using self-tapping screws or plastic ties. Remember that the fastener must withstand a pull-out force of at least 50 N.

5. Poor readability - due to dirty numbers or improper lighting. Clean the signs with a soft, non-abrasive cloth and check the backlights.

Pay special attention rear license plate. Common mistakes here:

• 💡 Backlight not working - check the lamps every six months
• 🔴 Covering the room with a spare tire or luggage - fine 5000 rubles.
• 📏 Wrong location - the sign must be strictly in the center
• 🌧️ Moisture accumulation under the number - leads to body corrosion

If you find that the numbers are skewed after installation, do not try to straighten them by force. Better:

1. Loosen all bolts
2. Level the sign
3. Tighten the bolts in a diagonal sequence

Alternative ways to attach numbers

Classic bolt-on mounting is not suitable for all vehicles. On some modern models (for example, Tesla Model 3 or Nissan Leaf) bumpers do not have standard places for attaching numbers. In such cases, alternative methods must be used.

Let's look at the main options:

• 🧲 Magnetic mounts - Suitable for metal surfaces. Benefits:
  • Quick installation/removal
  • No body damage
  • Suitable for rental cars

  Disadvantages: may fall off if hit hard, not suitable for plastic bumpers.

• 🔗 Textile ties — used on plastic bumpers. It is important to choose screeds with UV stabilizationso that they do not crack from the sun.
• 🔩 Rivets - a reliable method for metal bumpers. Requires a special tool (rivet gun).
• 📌 Double sided tape - temporary solution. Only suitable for lightweight plastic plates on smooth surfaces.
• 🔧 Special adapters - for example, for Toyota Prius or BMW i3, where there are no standard mounting points.

When choosing an alternative mounting, consider:

Remember that any non-standard fastening must provide:

• 🔒 Reliable fixation (the number should not wobble when moving)
• 📏 Correct position (horizontal, without distortions)
• 🔍 Readability from 20 meters in any conditions
• 🛡️ Body protection from corrosion and damage

⚠️ Attention: The use of plastic ties or tape may be considered by the inspector as “non-standard fastening” with all the resulting fines. If you choose this method, be prepared to prove its reliability or replace it with a standard mount at the first request.

Caring for license plates after installation

Many car owners pay attention only to installing license plates, forgetting about further care. Meanwhile, proper maintenance extends the life of both the signs themselves and the fastening elements. Here are the main recommendations:

Room cleaning:

• 🧽 Wash the signs soft sponge with car shampoo at least once a month
• 🚫 Do not use abrasives or hard brushes - they scratch the coating
• 🧴 For persistent contaminants (resin, bitumen), use special cleaners, for example, Sonax ProfiLine
• 🌞 After washing, wipe the numbers dry microfiber – this prevents the appearance of water spots

Caring for fasteners:

• 🔧 Check the tightness of the bolts every 3 months or before long trips
• 🛢️ Once a year, remove the numbers, clean the threads and apply new lubricant
• 🔍 Inspect the rubber gaskets for cracking - replace if necessary
• 🌧️ Treat fastenings in winter anti-corrosion spray

Protection against vandals:

• 🔐 Use security head bolts (for example, hexagon or asterisk)
• 📹 Install rear view camera with recording - this will scare away intruders
• 🚨 Choose in parking lots illuminated places next to surveillance cameras
• 🔧 Regularly check that the bolts are not loose - vandals often start by slightly wiggling the license plate

Pay special attention rear license plate in winter. Snow and ice can:

• 🌨️ Close the number, making it unreadable
• ☃️ Damage to paint when cleaning ice with a scraper
• 💧 Penetrate under the number, causing corrosion of fasteners

If you notice that the plate has begun to rust around the edges, do not try to paint over the rust with regular paint. Better:

1. Remove the sign and clean off the rust converter (for example, Tsinkar)
2. Apply primer for metal in 2 layers
3. Paint auto enamel in the color of the number (use a spray can with a thin nozzle)
4. Apply clear varnish for protection against moisture

Remember that Self-repair of license plates is permitted only if numbers and letters are not affected. Any change in registration symbols is strictly prohibited and is punishable under Article 326 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions