A car without state license plates is always a risk. Even if you just bought a car and did not have time to register it, or removed the license plates for some reason, traffic police inspectors and tow truck operators may perceive this as a violation. But how legal are their actions? Is it possible to avoid evacuation, and what consequences await the owner?
In this article we will figure out Can they pick up a car without license plates? in 2026, what legal provisions regulate this situation, and what to do if your car has already been sent to the impound lot. You will also learn about the nuances that will help minimize risks - from temporary numbers to proper communication with inspectors.
Why does a car without license plates attract the attention of the traffic police?
Missing license plates are one of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with your vehicle. For traffic police inspectors and evacuation service employees, such a vehicle automatically falls into the zone of increased attention. But why?
Firstly, missing numbers may meanthat the car was not registered with the traffic police. This violates Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, which obliges owners to register vehicles within 10 days after purchase or data change. Secondly, a car without license plates may be wanted, stolen or used for illegal purposes. Finally, this is simply a violation of the rules for operating vehicles.
However, the lack of numbers is not always a deliberate violation. There are situations when:
- 🔹 You just bought a car and have not yet managed to register it (but you have a purchase and sale agreement).
- 🔹 The numbers have been stolen or lost, and you are waiting for new ones.
- 🔹 You have removed the license plates for sale or disposal of the car.
- 🔹 The car is located on private property (for example, in a yard or garage).
But even in these cases, the law is not always on your side. Next, we’ll figure out in which situations evacuation is legal and in which it is not.
When is towing a car without license plates legal?
According to Article 27.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, a vehicle can be detained (that is, towed away) in several cases:
- Lack of registration - if the car is not registered with the traffic police within the established time frame (10 days after purchase or change of data).
- Fake or unreadable numbers - if the signs are damaged, hidden or do not correspond to the documents.
- Wanted - if the car is listed as stolen or with fake documents.
- Violation of parking rules — if a car without license plates is parked in the wrong place (for example, on the sidewalk or in an area for the disabled).
If your car falls under at least one of these points, the inspector has the right to call a tow truck. At the same time doesn't matterwhere the car is located - in the parking lot, in the yard or even on private property (if it is visible from a public place).
⚠️ Attention! If you have removed the plates for sale or scrapping, but the car is still driven on the road, this is equivalent to driving an unregistered vehicle. Fine - from 500 to 800 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation), and in case of repeated violation - up to 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights.
However, there are exceptions. For example, if the car is parked local area and does not interfere with traffic, it is more difficult to evacuate it without license plates - a court decision will be required. But in practice, inspectors often find formal reasons for detention.
When is evacuation without license plates illegal?
Lack of numbers is not always a reason for evacuation. There are situations when the actions of inspectors can be challenged:
- 📌 The car is standing on private territory (closed courtyard, garage, parking with barrier) and not visible from the street.
- 📌 Do you have temporary transit numbers (even if they are overdue, but no more than 5 days).
- 📌 You presented it to the inspector purchase and sale agreement with a registration period of less than 10 days.
- 📌 The numbers have been stolen and you have statement to the police about theft.
If the evacuation occurred in one of these situations, you can appeal the actions of the inspectors. To do this you will need:
- Take a photo of the place where the car was parked (proof that it did not interfere with traffic).
- Write down the data of the inspector and the tow truck (badge number, tow truck brand).
- File a complaint with the traffic police or court within 10 days.
Important: if the car has been towed from private territory, the owner of a parking lot or garage should also file a complaint - illegal entry into someone else's property can be classified as a violation Article 27.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
If an inspector demands to see documents for a car without license plates, do not enter into a conflict. It is better to calmly show the purchase and sale agreement or temporary numbers (if any) and ask to draw up a protocol. This will help avoid on-site evacuation.
Fines for driving and parking without license plates in 2026
The absence of state registration plates is punishable not only by evacuation, but also by fines. The amount of punishment depends on the situation:
| Violation | Fine (2026) | Additional measures |
|---|---|---|
| Driving a car without license plates (Part 2 of Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation) | 5,000 rubles | Evacuation to impound lot |
| Parking without license plates in the wrong place (Part 1 of Article 12.19 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation) | 3,000 rubles (in Moscow and St. Petersburg - 3,500 rubles) | Evacuation possible |
| Failure to register on time (Part 1 of Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation) | 500–800 rubles | In case of repeated violation - up to 5,000 rubles |
| Fake or hidden numbers (Part 4 of Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation) | 15,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1–3 months | Confiscation of numbers, evacuation |
| Car theft or search | Criminal liability (Article 166 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) | Arrest, confiscation of the vehicle |
If you are stopped for driving without license plates, the inspector has the right to:
- 📋 Draw up a protocol and issue a fine.
- 🚛 Call a tow truck (if there are no temporary license plates or documents for the car).
- 🔍 Check the car against the database for theft or search.
Important: if you drive a car with transit plates, but they are expired by more than 5 days, this is equivalent to the absence of plates. Fine - 5,000 rubles, plus possible evacuation.
What to do if a car without license plates has already been towed
If your car is taken to an impound lot, you need to act quickly. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Find out where the car was taken (call the traffic police or the tow truck hotline)
Prepare documents (passport, vehicle registration certificate, purchase and sale agreement, if the car is new)
Pay the fine (if issued) and the cost of evacuation + storage
Come to the impound lot and pick up the car
If the evacuation is illegal, file a complaint with the traffic police or the court-->
The first thing to do is find out where your car is. To do this:
- 📞 Call traffic police duty station your region.
- 🔍 Check online services (eg. Public services or local government website).
- 🚔 Contact the nearest traffic police post - they may know which tow truck worked in your area.
The cost of evacuation and storage depends on the region. For example:
- 📍 Moscow: evacuation - ~7,000 rubles, storage - ~1,000 rubles/day.
- 📍 St. Petersburg: evacuation - ~5,500 rubles, storage - ~800 rubles/day.
- 📍 Regions: evacuation – 3,000–5,000 rubles, storage – 300–700 rubles/day.
If you believe that the evacuation was illegal, don't pay the fine right away. First, file a complaint with the traffic police or court. To do this:
- Write a statement indicating the circumstances (attach photos, videos, testimony).
- Serve it within 10 days from the moment of evacuation.
- If the complaint is upheld, you will be refunded the money for evacuation and storage.
⚠️ Attention! If the car was towed due to lack of registration, but you have a purchase agreement with a period of less than 10 days, you can avoid a fine. Present the document to the inspector or in court - this will confirm that you did not break the law.
How to avoid evacuation: tips for owners
If your car does not have license plates, but you do not want problems with the traffic police, follow these recommendations:
- Don't drive a car without license plates - even if you are going “very close”. The fine for driving without signs is 5,000 rubles, plus towing.
- Use temporary transit numbers - they can be obtained from the traffic police or through Public services when buying a car. They act 20 days (previously there were 10).
- Don't leave your car without license plates on the street - even in the yard. If it is visible from the road, the inspector may call a tow truck.
- Register your car on time - you have 10 days after the purchase. If you don’t have time, apply for transit numbers.
- If your license plates are stolen, immediately file a police report.. This will protect you from fines if your car is stopped.
If you are selling a car and have removed the license plates, but it still drives, issue a general power of attorney on the buyer or enter into an agreement with the condition that he himself will register the car. Otherwise, you will receive fines for driving without license plates.
What happens if you ignore the fine for missing numbers?
If you do not pay the fine within 70 days, the case will be transferred to the bailiffs. They can:
- Seize bank accounts.
- Limit travel abroad.
- Double the amount of the fine (under Article 20.25 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
In addition, if you are stopped again without license plates, the fine will increase to 5,000 rubles, and the car will have to be towed.
If you are buying a used car, check his history through services Autocode or traffic police. There are cases when the previous owner did not deregister the car, and new license plates will not be issued until this is corrected.
Frequently asked questions about towing cars without license plates
Can a car without license plates be towed from a private parking lot?
If the parking lot is closed (with a barrier) and the car is not visible from the street - no. If the parking is open or adjacent - yes, if the inspector considers that the car is breaking the rules (for example, parked in the wrong place).
What to do if the license plates were stolen and the car was towed?
Must be presented to the traffic police police report about license plate theft. If the evacuation occurred before filing the application, the fine can be challenged in court.
Is it possible to travel with expired transit license plates?
No. If transit numbers are expired by more than 5 days, this is equivalent to the absence of numbers. Fine - 5,000 rubles.
How much does it cost to pick up a car from the impound lot?
The cost depends on the region:
- Evacuation: 3,000–7,000 rubles.
- Storage: 300–1,500 rubles per day.
- Fine: from 500 to 15,000 rubles (depending on the violation).
Can my license be revoked for driving without license plates?
Yes, if there were numbers fake or hidden (for example, covered with dirt or film). Punishment: a fine of 15,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1–3 months.
If you do not have license plates, but the car does not drive on the roads (it is parked in a garage or in a closed area), the risk of evacuation is minimal. The main thing is not to drive it and not to park in public places.