Many owners of Japanese and American cars face the problem of discrepancy between the regular mounting places and Russian standards. Square numbers They are a real salvation for those who do not want to drill a bumper or digest the body. This solution looks aesthetically pleasing and fully complies with the requirements of the law, provided certain conditions are met.
Since 2019, GOST R 50577-2018 has officially been in force in Russia, which allows the use of registration plates of reduced size. However, just buy a "square" and screw it can not. There are strict rules on which vehicles can be placed on and how to legitimize it. Ignoring these standards will lead to fines and problems during the inspection.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the legal aspects, technical requirements and step-by-step algorithm for the legal installation of non-standard numbers. You will learn why you can’t just order a beautiful sign from the nearest workshop and what documents will be required to make changes to the design or confirm compliance.
Legislative framework and standards of GOST
The main document regulating the size and appearance of registration plates is GOST R 50577-2018. It was he who introduced the so-called "Type 5" - signs of a reduced size of 190x140 mm. Prior to the introduction of this standard, square numbers were considered illegal and their installation was equivalent to making changes to the design without permission.
It is important to understand that the law does not allow square numbers on any cars at the request of the owner. According to the rules, the installation of Type 5 signs is possible only if the design of the vehicle is not possible. provides places for installation of standard numbers (520x110 mm). This is a key point that is often overlooked.
⚠️ Attention: Installation of a square number on a car, the regular place of attachment of which is designed for a long number (for example, most models of Lada, Volkswagen, Kia), is illegal and entails a fine for h. 1 st. 12.2 RF Administrative Code.
If you own it. Toyota Camry or Hyundai SolarisIn which the plant provides space for a long plate, replacing it with a square will require a complex procedure for making changes to the design (SBKTS and EPPTS), which is economically inexpedient. The legality of actions here is determined precisely by the factory configuration of the mounting place.
What cars are suitable for installation
The main target audience of square numbers are the owners of cars imported from Japan and the United States. Manufacturers in these countries often complete the machines with fasteners under the format 190x140 mm or 170x170 mm. In Russia, such dimensions fit perfectly into existing niches without the need for improvement of the bumper.
Most often square numbers are set on the following categories of technology:
- 🚙 Japanese right-hand drive cars (JDM) produced for the domestic market of Japan.
- 🚙 American pickup trucks and SUVs (for example, Dodge Ram, Chevrolet Tahoe old years.
- 🏍️ Motorcycles with side trailer or specific trunk design.
- 🚙 Retro cars where the full-time seats do not meet modern long standards.
The installation capability can be visually determined. If the bumper of your car factory recess or holes for drilling have dimensions close to 190 mm in length and 140 mm in height, then you are a potential candidate for a “square”.
List of popular models
This list often includes the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (old bodies), Nissan Skyline, Honda CR-V first generation, as well as many models of Subaru and Mazda imported from Japan. Always check the specific instance, as the configurations may vary.
Step by step: how to legalize a square number
The process of obtaining and installing a legal square number consists of several stages. Just buy a plate from a privateer is not enough - it must be made by an official manufacturer with the entry of data into the register.
First, you need to make sure that the documents for the car (PTS, STS) or in the design features of the body is not directly prohibited or, conversely, an indication of a standard size. If the car is Japanese and imported officially, there are usually no problems. Next, you should contact a specialized company that has a license to manufacture registration marks.
☑️ Checklist for installation
When ordering manufacture, you will need to provide CTC or PTS. The manufacturer will check the data on the traffic police database and make a sign. It is important to require the provision of the certificate of work performed or the certificate of conformity for the manufactured mark, although from 2021 the data on the produced marks are transmitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in electronic form.
Installation is carried out on a regular place. If the holes do not coincide by a couple of millimeters, careful drilling is allowed, but without violating the integrity of the bumper power elements. Use of transitional frames (“switches”) to place a square number in the place of a long forbiddenIf it overlaps the view or changes the angle of inclination.
Cost of manufacture and design
The price of square numbers varies depending on the region, urgency and the manufacturer chosen. Unlike standard numbers, which are often given free of charge at the traffic police during registration, "squares" are made only in private organizations.
The average cost is made up of the following factors:
- 💰 The basic price of the kit (2 units) is from 2000 to 3500 rubles.
- 💰 The cost of delivery (if the order is online) is from 300 to 1000 rubles.
- 💰 Urgent manufacturing (for 1 hour) can cost 30-50% more.
Additional state duties in the traffic police for the very possibility of using the format 190x140 mm does not exist. You only pay for the physical fabrication of the metal plate. However, if legalization requires changes in the design (for rare cases), the cost of examination and registration of the SBKTS can reach 30-50 thousand rubles, which makes the procedure meaningless for conventional cars.
| Type of service | Term of execution | Approximate cost | Where to get it. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacture of the Type 5 sign | 15.30 minutes. | 2500 rubles. | Licensed items |
| Delivery of signs | 1-3 days | 500 rubles. | Courier services |
| Replacement at the traffic police (for loss) | 1 hour | 2000 rubles. (fee) | IBD Division |
| Changes to the TC | 3-10 days | 35000+ rub. | Test laboratories |
The economic feasibility of installing a square number is high only if the regular seat on the car is already designed for this format. Otherwise, the cost of reworking the body will exceed the cost of the sign itself.
Fines and liability for violations
Illegal installation of registration plates is a serious violation. If the traffic police inspector stops you with a square number on the car, where the regular should stand long, it will be regarded as driving a vehicle with signs of a change in design or with unreadable / non-standard numbers.
The most common article used in such cases is h. 1 st. 12.2 RF Administrative Code ("Management of vehicles with state signs that do not meet the requirements"). The punishment for it provides for a warning or a fine of 500 rubles. However, if it is proved that the number is installed to conceal the identity (for example, the letters are cut or the font is changed), the fine will increase to 5000 rubles or there will be a deprivation of rights for a period of 6 to 12 months.
⚠️ Attention: Using a frame that covers even a part of the letters or numbers on a square number is also a violation. The frame should not overlap the letter "R" and the region number.
In addition, during the technical inspection (TO) diagnostic card will not be issued if the size and installation of numbers do not comply with GOST. This, in turn, will not allow you to issue a CTP policy or will lead to its cancellation.
Frequent Questions and Myths About Square Numbers
There are many rumors around the topic of non-standard numbers. Some drivers believe that a square number is a loophole to hide cars from cameras, others think that they can be put on any car for the sake of beauty. Let’s look at the most popular misconceptions.
The myth that the "square" saves from fines from cameras, has no basis. Modern fixation complexes ("Arrow", "Parcon", etc.) easily read numbers of any format, if they correspond to GOST in contrast and font. Moreover, a non-standard form can attract the attention of the operator of the center for fixing violations.
When buying a used car with square numbers, be sure to check whether the mounting place was not digested. If a long number does not stand up without holes, the sale may be difficult, as the new owner will want to return the standard.
Another common question is: can I order a number 190x140 mm, if the old was lost, and there is no space for a long one? Yes, you can and should. In this case, you contact the point of manufacture of signs with documents on the car, and you make a duplicate of the type that corresponds to the design of the car.
Can I paint a square number myself?
No, self-painting, changing the color of letters or background is prohibited. The sign must be manufactured by factory method using a retroreflective film. Any "homemade" is equated with forgery of documents.
Are boxes allowed for square numbers?
The use of frames is allowed, but only if they do not cover the elements of the mark, are marked by the manufacturer and do not hide the mounting openings. It is best to use specialized Japanese frames under the size 190x140.
What if the PTS says "standard", but there is no room?
If the PTS has a dash or a standard entry, but there is no physical space under the long number (for example, a curved bumper), you will need a technical expert opinion on the possibility of installing a Type 5 sign. With this document, you can legally make a square.
Summing up, we note: square numbers are an excellent solution for owners of specific vehicles, allowing you to preserve the appearance of the car. The main thing is to act within the law, to buy marks only from licensed manufacturers and not try to cheat the system where it is easily verifiable.