Why you can't just throw old numbers in the trash
Old car plates are not just a piece of metal with numbers. They contain Unique registration datatied to your vehicle and your identity. Throwing them into a common dumpster is absolutely impossible: this can lead to problems with the law, fraud or even criminal liability if the numbers fall into the hands of intruders.
In Russia, state numbers are considered special registration marks, issued by the traffic police. Their arbitrary destruction or transfer to third parties without proper registration is considered as a violation. Administrative code (art. 19.22) and may result in a fine of up to 2,500 rubles. Moreover, if you have committed crimes on your old numbers (for example, fictitious registration of a car), it will be extremely difficult to prove your innocence.
But what if the numbers are left after the sale of the car, recycling or replacement with new ones? In this article, we will understand All legal ways to get rid of old numbers without risk - from delivery to the traffic police to creative use in the interior.
Method 1: To pass the numbers in the traffic police - the most reliable option
The official procedure for the delivery of numbers to the State Traffic Inspectorate is 100% legal and safe way. It's suitable if you:
- 🚗 They sold the car and took it off the books.
- 🔄 Changed numbers to new ones (for example, when changing the region or at personal request)
- 🗑️ Was the car disposed of or was written off after an accident
To surrender the numbers, you need to contact any traffic police department (not necessarily at the place of registration). It is enough to have with you:
- 📄 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation
- 🔑 Numbers themselves (front and back pair)
- 📋 Application (to be completed on site)
The procedure takes no more than 15 minutes. The traffic police officer will check the numbers on the database, make an act of reception and cancel their registration. After that, you will receive a certificate of surrender - it is better to save it in case of disputes.
⚠️ Attention: If the numbers were lost or stolen, you must write a statement to the police about theft. A simple delivery to the traffic police in this case will not protect against possible problems.
Method 2: Keeping the numbers for memory – is it legal?
Many car owners want to keep their old numbers “in memory”, especially if they were tied to the first car or had a beautiful combination of numbers. The law doesn't prohibit it.But there are some important nuances:
1. Numbers must be taken off the record. If the car is still registered to you, you can not store the numbers separately.
2. It is forbidden to use them on another vehicle. Even if you attach them to a garage or fence, this may be considered a violation (art. 12.2 Administrative Code.
3. It is better to store in an inaccessible place If the numbers are stolen, they can be used for fraud.
If you still decide to leave the numbers, we recommend:
- 🖼️ Hang in a garage or workshop as a decor element (for example, in a frame)
- 🔧 Use as an original gift to the motorist
- 📦 Keep it in a safe or closed closet along with other important documents
Before hanging the numbers on the wall, varnish them with a transparent varnish - this will protect against rust and give shine.
Method 3: Sell beautiful or rare rooms
Some combinations of numbers (e.g., A001AA 77 or X777X99) can cost serious money. There are collectors and car owners on the market who are willing to pay for “beautiful” rooms. 5,000 to 500,000 rubles.
Where to sell:
- 🌐 Specialized sites: Avito, Drom.ru, Auto.ru (under "Accessories")
- 📱 Thematic groups in social networks: Vkontakte, Telegram, Facebook
- 🏢 Auctions and brokers selling numbers (for example, Nomera.ru)
What to consider:
- ⚖️ Before the room sale beside the list The traffic police.
- 📝 Make a contract of sale (the sample can be downloaded on the traffic police website).
- 💰 The price depends on the region, series and “beautifulness” of the combination.
| Type of number | Example | Average price, rubles |
|---|---|---|
| Gold (three identical numbers) | A777AA 77 | 80 000 – 200 000 |
| Silver (two identical numbers) | A112AA 99 | 20 000 – 50 000 |
| Regional rarities | A001AAA02 (MO) | 50 000 – 150 000 |
| Simple combinations | X123X77 | 1 000 – 10 000 |
⚠️ Attention: The sale of the license plates that are still listed on the car is a violation. Before the transaction, be sure to remove the car from the register or re-register the numbers for the new owner.
Method 4: Recycle numbers yourself
If the numbers are not valuable (for example, a conventional combination without “beautiful” numbers), they can be used. destroy with their own hands. But you need to do this correctly to eliminate the possibility of data recovery.
How to dispose of:
- 🔨 Mechanical destruction: Cut the numbers with Bulgarian or metal scissors into small pieces.
- 🔥 Heat treatment: Burn in the oven or at the stake (but not at home – it is dangerous!).
- 🧲 Demagneticization: If the numbers are aluminum, they can be melted.
What to do cannot:
- 🗑️ Throw them in the trash, they can be restored.
- 🔄 To give away metal without destruction is against the law.
- 🖌️ Whether you paint it or paste it, you can still read it.
Take photos of the rooms before destruction (in case of disputes)
Cut into parts smaller than 3×3cm
Dispose of in different garbage containers (if you cut)
Save a photo or video of the destruction process.
Method 5: Use rooms in decor or hobby
Old rooms can become an original element of the interior, a souvenir or even part of an art project. Here are some ideas:
- 🖼️ Painting or panel: Enclose the numbers in the frame along with a photo of your car.
- 🚪 Door plate: Attach to the garage door or workshop.
- 🎁 A gift to a motorist: Make a cupboard or a cupboard.
- 🎨 Art object: Some artists create sculptures from car parts.
Examples of creative use:
- 🔧 Room table as a tabletop (covered with epoxy).
- 🕰️ Wall clock with a dial from the room.
- 📚 Book stand in the form of a state number.
If you decide to use the numbers in the decor, make sure they are outdoors - otherwise it may be regarded as an attempt to mislead (for example, if the number is hanging on the fence and looks like the current one).
How to prepare rooms for decor
1. Clean them of dirt and rust (use WD-40 or vinegar).
2. Cover with a transparent varnish to protect against corrosion.
3. If necessary, paint the background in a contrasting color.
4. Fix it on a solid base (such as a wooden board).
Method 6: Give numbers by inheritance or gift
If you have "beautiful" or family Numbers (for example, transferring from father to son), they can be pass on no sale. This requires:
- Remove the numbers from the traffic police (if they are still registered).
- Make up gift-giving or testament (If the transfer occurs after the death of the owner)
- Certify the document with a notary (required for a will).
Important nuances:
- 📜 Gifted It is issued during the life of the donor and is not taxed for close relatives.
- 💀 Will The property will be effective after the owner dies, but the recipient will have to pay a tax of 0.3-0.6% of the market value of the rooms.
- 🚫 You can't just give me the numbers. They must be taken off the record first, otherwise the transfer will be illegal.
Example of the wording in the donation:
I, Ivanov Ivanovich, donate to my son, Ivanov Petr Ivanovich, automobile state registration plates. A123BV 77, removed from the register in the traffic police [date], without the right to register them for vehicles.
Method 7: Submit rooms to a museum or collection
If your numbers have historical value (for example, Soviet signs, rare regional series or numbers from famous cars), they can be transferred to the hotel. museum Or a private collector.
Where old numbers are accepted:
- 🏛️ Museums:
- Museum of Retro Cars in Moscow
- Museum of the history of traffic police in St. Petersburg
- Regional motor museums (for example, in Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk)
- 👤 Private collectors: Search through retro car clubs or thematic forums.
What to do before transfer:
- Make sure the numbers are discounted.
- Fill out transfer (if the museum is a state museum) or donation (if you are a private collector).
- Photograph numbers and save copies of documents.
Some museums may offer plate-pay Free entry to exhibitions in exchange for rare exhibits. For example, the Soviet numbers of the sample of 1959-1980 are especially appreciated.
Before transferring rooms to the museum, check whether they are needed for your series - some accept only rare or historical copies.
Frequent mistakes when getting rid of old numbers
Many car owners make critical mistakes that can turn into problems. Here are the most common:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Thrown the plates in the trash. | Fine up to 2,500 rubles or use of numbers by fraudsters | Destroying with photographing the process |
| Transferring the numbers to the new owner without re-registration | Penalties and problems in the sale of cars | Make a deal through the traffic police |
| I keep the numbers without taking the car off the record. | The risk of criminal liability for forgery of documents | First, take it off the record, then store it. |
| Sold numbers without a contract | It is impossible to prove transfer in case of disputes | Preparation of a written contract |
Another common mistake. Ignoring Number Checks Before Delivery. Sometimes the traffic police database may remain unallocated fines or restrictions associated with old numbers. Before you get rid of them, check the history through the service. Public services site GABD.
FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions
Can I hang old rooms on a fence or garage?
Technically, this is not prohibited if the numbers are discounted and not misleading. However, it is better to avoid this - the traffic police inspector may regard them as an attempt to imitate a registration plate, which threatens with a fine of up to 5,000 rubles (Article ). 12.2 Administrative Code.
What happens if you don’t hand over the numbers to the traffic police after the sale of the car?
If the new owner has not re-registered the car and you have not surrendered the license plates, All fines and taxes will come in your name.. In addition, when disposing of cars without numbers, you may be denied removal from the account, which will create problems when buying a new vehicle.
Can I recover lost numbers?
Yes, but only if they were. stolen (a report to the police is required) or lost by the IGD. (e.g. when forwarding). In other cases, you will need to get new numbers. The cost of a duplicate is 2,000 rubles (manufacture fee).
How to check if the numbers are taken off the record?
This can be done through:
- 🌐 Portal of Public Service (Section "Transport and Driving" → "Testing of Fines")
- 📱 Mobile app GABD
- 📞 Contact the MREO GIBDD by phone
If there is no information about your car in the database, the numbers are taken off the list.
Can I use the old number to register another car?
No, that's it. impossible. According to the order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 605, the numbers are tied to a specific vehicle and owner. After removal from the account, they can only be disposed of or stored as a souvenir. For a new car, you will need to get other signs.