Buying a new car is a joyful event, but fraught with bureaucratic and technical nuances. One of the first questions that an owner has: how to install state license plates correctly? It would seem that it could be simpler - I took self-tapping screws and screwed them on. But in practice there are a lot of pitfalls here: from traffic police requirements to the risk of damage to the paintwork. In this article we will analyze the process from A to Z, including the choice of fasteners, legal subtleties and common mistakes that can cost you a fine.
Many car owners underestimate the importance of correctly installing license plates. Meanwhile, an incorrectly attached sign can cause fine of 500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code) or even obstacle when passing technical inspection. In addition, careless installation often leads to corrosion of the mounting holes, loss of license plates while driving, or damage to the bumper. We will tell you how to avoid these problems and do everything according to the rules - quickly, reliably and without consequences.
Let us immediately note: the procedure for installing license plates on a new car differs from replacing plates on a used car. In the first case, you do not need to remove the old license plates (they simply don’t exist), but you will have to take into account the mounting features on modern models, where manufacturers often save on standard places for signs. Also
If you buy a car at a dealership, dealers often offer installation of license plates as an additional service (cost - from 500 to 2000 rubles). But doing it yourself is not only cheaper, but also more reliable: you will be confident in the quality of the fasteners and the absence of hidden defects. Below are detailed instructions with photos, diagrams and life hacks from experienced car owners.
1. What tools and materials will be needed
Before you begin installation, prepare everything you need. The quality of the materials determines how long the numbers will stay in place and whether they will start to loosen after a month. Here's the full list:
- 🔧 Mounting kit: self-tapping screws, bolts with nuts or special plastic clips (depending on the car model). Self-tapping screws are suitable for most modern cars
4×16 mmor4×20 mmwith a press washer. - 🔨 Drill or a screwdriver with an attachment (if there are no standard holes on the bumper). For plastic bumpers, use metal drill bits with a diameter of
3–3.5 mm. - 📏 Ruler or caliper for precise marking. An error of even 2–3 mm can lead to a skewed number.
- 🧲 Magnetic holder (optional) - simplifies installation of nuts on the back of the bumper.
- 🧴 Silicone sealant or rubber gaskets to protect paintwork from corrosion.
- 🧹 Degreaser (acetone, alcohol) and wipes for cleaning the mounting area.
- 🔦 Flashlight — useful for working in poorly lit places (for example, under a bumper).
If your machine is equipped plastic bumper (and this is most models today), avoid self-tapping screws with a sharp end - they can split the plastic. Better to use bolts with nuts or special wing clips, which come with some numbers. For metal bumpers (e.g. on UAZ Patriot or Lada 4x4) ordinary metal screws will do.
Important: do not use fasteners longer than 20 mm - it can rest against the internal elements of the bumper (for example, fog lights or parking sensors) and damage them. It is also worth abandoning “old-fashioned” methods such as wire or plastic ties - such structures are unreliable and are prohibited by traffic regulations.
2. Where exactly to attach the license plates: requirements of the traffic police and manufacturers
The installation location of license plates is strictly regulated Traffic rules (clause 4 of the “Basic provisions”) and GOST R 50577-93. Violation of these rules may result in a fine or denial of registration. Here are the key requirements:
- 📍 Front number should be located right in the direction of travel (if you look at the car from the front) or in the center. Installation on a bumper, radiator grill or special shelf is allowed.
- 📍 Rear number fastened left in the direction of travel (if you look at the car from behind) or in the center. Permitted places: trunk, door, rear bumper.
- 📏 Height from ground: no less
30 cmand no more120 cmfor the front sign,30–180 cm- for the rear. - 🔍 Visibility: The number must be clearly visible from a distance
20 mat any time of the day. It is prohibited to cover it with glass, film or other objects. - 🚫 Prohibited places: on glass, roof, hood, inside the cabin, at an angle of more than 30° to the vertical.
Car manufacturers often provide regular places for rooms - special platforms with holes. For example:
- On Lada Vesta and Granta The front number plate is attached to the plastic bumper trim.
- On Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris — in the niche under the radiator grille.
- On Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Rapid - on the trunk (rear) and bumper (front).
If there is no regular place (often found on crossovers and SUVs, for example, Toyota RAV4 or Nissan X-Trail), you will have to drill the holes yourself. In this case, follow the recommendations:
1. Back off at least 10 cm from the edge of the bumper.
2. Avoid places where wires or tubes pass through.
3. Check the back of the bumper for obstacles (sensors, amplifiers).
What happens if you set the number not according to GOST?
Incorrect installation of numbers can lead to a fine of 500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code) or a warning. In some cases, the inspector may require that the violation be corrected on site. If the license plate covers part of the bumper or headlight, this is regarded as “deliberate concealment” and is punishable by a fine of 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1–3 months (Part 2 of Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code).
3. Step-by-step instructions: how to attach numbers without errors
Now let's move on to practice. Follow these instructions to install the numbers quickly and without damage:
- Step 1. Surface preparation
Clean the mounting area from dirt and dust. Wipe the surface degreaser (acetone or alcohol). If the bumper is glossy, stick it to the mounting location protective gasket (can be cut from an old bicycle tube) - this will prevent scratches.
- Step 2. Marking the holes
Attach the number to the bumper and mark the holes for the holes with a pencil or marker. Use rulerto ensure symmetry. For accuracy, you can make a template from cardboard.
☑️ Checklist before drilling
Done: 0 / 4 - Step 3: Drilling
If there are no holes, drill them with a drill at low speed. For plastic, use metal drills with a diameter
3–3.5 mm. Do not press too hard - the plastic may crack. After drilling, remove the chips with a vacuum cleaner. - Step 4. Install the fasteners
Insert self-tapping screws or bolts into the holes. If using bolts and nuts, secure the nut on the reverse side magnetic holder or by hand. Tighten the fasteners evenly so that the number does not become skewed.
- Step 5: Sealing
Apply a thin layer silicone sealant along the edge of the number and on the screw heads. This will protect against corrosion and moisture. Remove excess sealant with a napkin.
For clarity, here is a table with recommended drilling parameters for different types of bumpers:
| Bumper type | Drill diameter (mm) | Fastener type | Max. fastener length (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic (ABS, polypropylene) | 3–3,5 | Bolts with nuts, clips | 16–20 |
| Metal (steel, aluminum) | 3,5–4 | Self-tapping screws for metal | 12–16 |
| Carbon, fiberglass | 2,5–3 | Self-tapping screws with press washer | 10–12 |
| Bumper with polyurethane foam | 4–5 | Long bolts with washers | 25–30 |
If you set numbers to electric car (for example, Tesla Model 3 or Nissan Leaf), keep in mind that their bumpers often have a complex structure with autopilot sensors. In this case it is better to use non-contact fastenings (for example, with double-sided tape 3M VHB), but only if it is permitted by the traffic police in your region.
Before drilling, attach a piece to the back of the bumper foam plastic - this will help avoid chipping when the drill comes out.
4. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when setting license plates. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:
- ❌ Number skew - occurs due to uneven tightening of fasteners. Solution: Tighten the screws crosswise, like wheel nuts.
- ❌ Self-tapping screws are too long - may damage internal components. Solution: Use fasteners no longer than
20 mmfor plastic. - ❌ Lack of sealing - leads to corrosion and rust. Solution: Always apply silicone to the screw heads.
- ❌ Using non-native holes - for example, from previous numbers. Solution: drill new holes according to GOST.
- ❌ Installation on a dirty surface — the number may fall off. Solution: Clean and degrease the bumper before installation.
Pay special attention back number - it more often suffers from vibrations and dirt. If the number starts to wobble, do not delay repairs: vibration can lead to cracks in the bumper. For reliability, you can use additional rubber pads between the number plate and the bumper - they dampen vibrations.
Another common problem is loss of nuts on the back of the bumper. To avoid this, use nuts with nylon insert or fix them locknuts. If the nut does fall, do not try to reach it by hand - use magnetic gripper or flexible shaft with magnet.
The most common reason for fines is unreadable license plates due to dirt or improper fastening. Check their condition regularly, especially after washing or off-road driving.
5. Legal nuances: what the law says
The installation of numbers is regulated not only by traffic rules, but also by other regulations. Here are the key points you need to know:
- 📜 GOST R 50577-93 — determines the size of the rooms (
520×112 mmfor passenger cars), font, color and location. - 📜 Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 605 (2013) - regulates the procedure for registering a vehicle and setting license plates.
- 📜 Code of Administrative Offenses, Art. 12.2 — provides for penalties for incorrect installation or missing numbers.
C March 1, 2026 New amendments have come into force:
- Prohibited use decorative frames, if they cover part of the number or symbols.
- The numbers must be illuminated at night (a backlight is required for the rear sign).
- It is forbidden to change color or font numbers (for example, apply tinting or stickers).
If you are buying a car with Euronumbers (for example, on foreign cars from the EU), they will have to be replaced with Russian ones within 10 days after customs clearance. An exception is cars temporarily imported into the territory of the Russian Federation (up to 1 year).
⚠️ Attention: If you install license plates on a car with tinted windows, make sure that the rear license plate is visible through the glass from a distance of 20 m. Otherwise, the inspector may issue a fine for “hiding the license plate.”
6. Alternative fastening methods
If you don't want to drill into the bumper or are worried about damaging it, there are several alternative methods for attaching plates. However, remember: not all of them meet the requirements of the traffic police.
- 🧲 Magnetic holders - convenient for temporary installation, but can fall off on bumps. Suitable for metal surfaces only.
- 📎 Double sided tape (for example, 3M VHB) - reliable, but difficult to remove. Not recommended for heavy numbers.
- 🔗 Plastic ties - a cheap solution, but it looks unaesthetic and can tear.
- 🔩 Wing clips — come complete with some license plates, do not require drilling, but are not suitable for all car models.
The most reliable alternative method is silicone suction cup mount. For example, holders No-Drill from Heise can withstand up to 5 kg and do not damage paintwork. However, their cost (from 1,500 rubles) often exceeds the price of conventional fasteners.
If you choose the drillless method, be sure to check:
- Strength of fixation (shake the number with your hand).
- Visibility of the license plate (whether it is covered by body elements).
- GOST compliance (for example, double-sided tape is not always recognized as a legal fastening).
⚠️ Attention: Use wire or ropes for attaching numbers is strictly prohibited! This is regarded as “non-standard fastening” and is punishable by a fine of 500 rubles.
7. How to care for numbers after installation
To ensure that the plates last a long time and do not cause a fine, follow simple maintenance rules:
- 🚿 Washing: Use a soft sponge and car shampoo. Do not scrub the numbers with hard brushes - this will remove the paint.
- 🔧 Checking fasteners: Tighten the screws or bolts once a month. Vibration from movement weakens the fastening.
- 🌞 Sun protection: If the car is parked in the open air, the numbers may fade. Use UV protective sprays for plastic.
- ❄️ Winter care: clear rooms of snow and ice plastic scraperso as not to scratch the surface.
If the number is damaged (the paint is worn out, chips appear), it needs to be replaced. You cannot drive with unreadable symbols - this is equivalent to the absence of a license plate and is punishable by a fine of 5000 rubles or deprivation of rights to 1–3 months (Part 2 of Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code).
To protect fasteners from corrosion, you can use graphite lubricant or WD-40. Apply it to the screw heads once every six months - this will prevent rust and make dismantling easier if necessary.
If the plate begins to rust around the edges, do not try to paint over the rust - this will make the problem worse. It’s better to replace the sign or contact the traffic police for re-registration.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
❓ Is it possible to install numbers on tape so as not to drill the bumper?
Technically yes, but it's risky. The traffic police may regard such fastening as unreliable and issue a fine. If you still decide to use tape, choose specialized types (for example, 3M VHB) and check the commit every week.
❓ What to do if the self-tapping screw scrolls through the plastic?
This is a common problem when installing on plastic bumpers. Solutions:
- Use a self-tapping screw with a larger diameter (for example,
4.5 mminstead of4 mm). - Insert into hole plastic dowel or rubber stopper.
- Apply to the screw thread glue "Moment" or epoxy resin.
❓ Do I need to remove the bumper to install the rear license plate?
In most cases no. An exception is if the mounting holes are located in a hard-to-reach place (for example, on Toyota Camry or Mazda CX-5). If you cannot reach the nuts, use flexible extension for key or magnetic holder.
❓ Is it possible to paint the license plate frame in the body color?
No, this is prohibited. The frame must be white (for the front number) or match the color of the sign (for the rear). Any changes that impair readability are punishable by a fine.
❓ What to do if the number is lost while driving?
Urgently contact the traffic police to obtain a duplicate. You can't drive without a license plate - there's a fine 5000 rubles or deprivation of rights. If your number has been stolen, file a police report.