What is considered theft of license plates and why is it dangerous?
Theft state registration plates (GRZ) is one of the most common crimes in the field of car ownership. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, more than 50 thousand facts of number theft, and these are only official statistics. Attackers steal license plates not for the sake of the metal plates themselves, but to commit other illegal actions: evading fines, disguising stolen cars, or even preparing for more serious crimes.
From a legal point of view, theft of license plates is classified under several articles at once Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The main ones are Article 158 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Theft”) and Article 325 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Theft or damage to documents, stamps, seals, or theft of excise stamps, special stamps or marks of conformity”). In this case, the punishment can vary from a fine to actual imprisonment - it all depends on the circumstances of the case and the consequences for the victim.
Particularly dangerous is the fact that stolen numbers are often used to "set-ups": criminals hang them on another car, commit traffic violations or even accidents, and all fines and claims go to the rightful owner. Restoring justice in such cases can be extremely difficult - it requires not only an evidence base, but also competent actions on the part of the victim.
What articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation apply for the theft of license plates?
The legal qualification of the theft of state license plates depends on the goals of the attacker and the method of committing the crime. Let's consider the basic norms:
- 📜 Article 158 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Theft”) - applies if the numbers were stolen secretly, without the use of violence or threats. Punishment: fine up to
80 000 ₽, mandatory work before360 hoursor imprisonment until2 years. - 🔍 Article 325 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - used if the theft of license plates is associated with their further use to conceal another crime (for example, car theft). Here the sanctions are tougher: a fine of up to
200 000 ₽or imprisonment until1 year. - 🚨 Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Forgery or destruction of identification number”) - relevant if the attacker not only stole the numbers, but also forged them (for example, by interrupting the symbols). Punishment: up to
2 years imprisonment. - 💥 Qualification based on a set of articles — if the theft of license plates has become part of a more serious crime (for example, theft or fraud), the court can apply several articles at once, which significantly increases the punishment.
It is important to understand that even if the numbers were stolen “just like that” (without malicious intent), this is still classified as a crime. For example, teenagers who tore off license plates “for fun” can receive a real prison term - especially if their actions led to material damage for the car owner (fines for other people’s violations, costs for restoring documents).
What to do if your license plates are stolen
Found your license plates missing? You need to act quickly and clearly to minimize risks. Here is a step-by-step algorithm:
- Contact the police immediately. File a theft report at the nearest branch or through the portal Public services. Indicate the exact time when you noticed the loss, and attach a photo of the parking location (if available).
- Submit an application to the traffic police about termination of registration of numbers. This blocks the possibility of using them on other cars. This can be done through
Personal account on State Servicesor during a personal visit. - Check the fines on the website traffic police or through apps like "Traffic fines". If someone else’s fines appear, immediately challenge them by attaching a copy of the statement to the police.
- Set new numbers. To do this, you will need a passport, STS, PTS and a statement of theft. In some cases, the traffic police can issue license plates free of charge (if the theft is confirmed).
⚠️ Attention: If you do not report the theft of license plates, all fines and consequences of an accident committed with your plates will be automatically linked to your car. It will be extremely difficult to prove your innocence later!
☑️ Actions when numbers are stolen
How to protect numbers from theft: effective ways
Preventing license plate theft is easier than dealing with the consequences later. Here are proven methods of protection:
- 🔒 Anti-vandal frames - metal or plastic structures that make it difficult to remove numbers. Best models: "Fixtures-Anti-theft" or «LockPlate».
- 📹 DVRs with parking - devices that continue to record even when the ignition is turned off. Examples: BlackVue DR900X or Thinkware Q800 Pro.
- 🚗 Parking in guarded parking lots — the risk of theft in paid parking lots with cameras in
3–5 times lowerthan on street “pockets”. - 🔧 Secret bolts - instead of standard fasteners, use bolts with a non-standard head (for example, "under the star" or "under the triangle").
- 📱 Mobile alarms - some models (for example, Pandora DXL 3910) notify the owner of vibration or an attempt to remove license plates.
💡 Helpful tip: If you often leave your car in “risky” places (for example, near markets or train stations), additionally cover the license plates with transparent anti-vandal film. This will not interfere with recording cameras, but will make it more difficult for attackers.
| Method of protection | Cost (₽) | Efficiency (on a 5-point scale) | Difficulty of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-vandal frames | 1 500–3 000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low (10 minutes) |
| Secret bolts | 300–800 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Medium (key required) |
| DVR with parking | 10 000–30 000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High (needs wiring) |
| Anti-vandal film | 500–1 500 | ⭐⭐ | Low (sticker) |
Consequences of license plate theft for a car owner
Stolen license plates can result in a whole bunch of problems for the rightful owner. Here are the most common consequences:
- 💰 Fines for other people's violations — if an attacker uses your license plates to drive in oncoming traffic or speed, all “chain letters” will be sent to you. You can challenge them, but it will take
1–3 months. - 🚨 Suspicion of involvement in an accident — if your license plate has been involved in an accident with injuries, you may be summoned for questioning by the police.
- 📉 Problems with CASCO - some insurance companies regard the theft of license plates as “lack of vigilance” and may refuse to pay if it is stolen.
- 🔄 Delays in car sales — if the numbers are on the wanted list, the purchase and sale transaction may be suspended until the situation is resolved.
⚠️ Attention: If you fail to report your license plates being stolen and they are used in a crime (for example, car theft or drug trafficking), you may be prosecuted as accomplice - even if you had nothing to do with it!
What happens if you don't report your license plates being stolen?
If you ignore the theft, all fines and consequences of an accident committed with your license plates will be automatically linked to your car. Moreover, in the event of a serious crime (hijacking, smuggling), you may be called in for questioning as a suspect. Proving your innocence will be extremely difficult - you will need witnesses, camera footage and a lawyer.
Is it possible to return stolen numbers and how to do it
It is extremely rare to recover stolen license plates - in 95% of cases they are either melted down or used to disguise other machines. However, there is a chance if:
- 📸 The numbers were filmed on a DVR or street surveillance camera.
- 🚔 The criminal is caught red-handed (for example, when trying to install your license plates on another car).
- 🔍 The license plates were discovered during a traffic police raid on “killed” cars.
If the numbers are found, they are returned to the owner after examination. If not, you will have to get new ones. To do this you need:
- Obtain a certificate from the police about the initiation of a case of theft.
- Contact the traffic police with an application to issue duplicates.
- Pay the state fee (
2 000 ₽for a set of numbers).
⚠️ Attention: If your numbers were unique (for example, with a beautiful combination of numbers), it is almost impossible to return their original version. The traffic police will issue new signs according to the general algorithm.
Even if the stolen plates are returned to you, they will have to be replaced - according to the rules of the traffic police, signs that have been in the wrong hands are considered compromised and must be disposed of.
Frequently asked questions about license plate theft
❓ Is it possible to drive without one license plate if the second one was stolen?
No. According to clause 2 of the Traffic Rules, must be installed on the car both license plates (front and rear). There is a fine for missing at least one number. 5 000 ₽ or deprivation of rights to 1–3 months (by Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
❓ How long does it take to issue new numbers after theft?
The period depends on the workload of the traffic police. On average the process takes 1–5 business days. If you apply through Public services, you can save time - there are often “windows” available for registration without a queue.
❓ Can they be fined for other people’s violations if their numbers are stolen?
Yes, but fines can be contested. To do this, you need to provide the traffic police or the court with a copy of the statement about the theft of license plates, as well as evidence that at the time of the violation your car was in another place (for example, parking receipts or witness statements).
❓ Does CASCO cover damage from license plate theft?
Depends on the policy. Most insurance companies do not compensate the theft of license plates as a separate event, but if the theft occurred together with the theft of a car, the damage may be included in the payment. Check this point with your insurance company.
❓ Is it possible to install license plates from another car temporarily until new ones are received?
Absolutely not! The use of someone else's license plates is classified as counterfeit state signs (Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and is punishable by a fine of up to 80 000 ₽ or imprisonment until 2 years. It is better not to drive a car or use a taxi for the time being.