Sticker on the rear window or bumper with the inscription "Like my ex" - this is not just a meme, but a full-fledged tuning element that requires attention to detail. If you decide to repeat the design of a sticker that you saw on someone else’s car, it is important to consider three points: quality of material (vinyl vs cheap film), size and location (so as not to block the view and not violate traffic rules), and gluing method (no bubbles or peeling after a month). For example, on Toyota Corolla 2020+ or Kia Rio X-Line Such stickers are often placed on the right side of the rear window - there they interfere less with the view, but remain noticeable.

The problem is that 80% of such stickers are sold on Avito or in Chinese stores without a guarantee of quality. A cheap sticker may fall off after the first wash or leave sticky marks on the paintwork. And if you decide to do it yourself on a plotter, you’ll have to figure out vectorizing the image and choosing the right film - Oracal 651 or 3M Scotchcal. In this article we will look at where to get the original sticker, how to install it correctly, and why some placement options may cost you 1,500 rubles fine according to Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offences.

Where to buy a sticker “Like my ex”: TOP 5 verified places

If you're looking for exactly the same sticker you saw on your ex's car, start by searching by photo. Take a photo of the sticker from different angles (preferably in high resolution) and use image search services - Yandex.Pictures or Google Lens. This will help you find the original design, and not a fake with a blurry font.

Here's where to really buy a quality sticker:

  • 🛒 Official VKontakte groups - for example, “Car stickers | Vinyl stickers." They often post unique designs with the possibility of ordering in individual sizes.
  • 🌍 Etsy or Redbubble — Western sites where designer stickers are sold. Cons: Delivery may take up to 3 weeks.
  • 🏢 Local print studios — in Moscow it’s “StickerMan” or “VinylStyle”; in the regions, search for “printing stickers on vinyl.”
  • 📦 AliExpress - cheap, but there is a risk of running into low-quality glue. Look for sellers with ratings above 98% and reviews with photos.
  • 🖥️ Self-printing — if you have access to a plotter, you can download a vector file (for example, in the format .svg) and print it on vinyl.

The average price for a sticker measuring 10x5 cm is from 200 to 800 rubles. If a seller offers a sticker for less than 150 rubles, most likely it is a paper sticker without a waterproof layer.

📊Where are you planning to buy the sticker?
In a local print studio
On AliExpress
I’ll order from the author from VK
I'll do it myself on plotter

Which material to choose: vinyl vs paper vs magnet

The material of the sticker determines how long it will last and what it will look like in a year. For example, paper stickers turn yellow in the sun after 2-3 months, and cheap vinyl can peel off after the first car wash. Here's a comparison of the main options:

Material Service life Moisture resistance Difficulty in gluing Price for 10×5 cm
paper 1–3 months Low (gets wet) Just 50–150 ₽
Vinyl (Oracal 651) 3–5 years High Medium (needs squeegee) 300–600 ₽
Vinyl (3M Scotchcal) 5–7 years Maximum Difficult (requires experience) 600–1 200 ₽
Magnetic film 2–4 years Medium (may fall off) Just 500–900 ₽

Best suited for rear window sticker Oracal 651 — it does not fade in the sun and is easy to apply even for a beginner. If you want a sticker on the hood or fender, take it 3M Scotchcal with lamination - it can withstand high temperatures and mechanical loads.

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If the sticker will be on glass, choose vinyl with transparent background - this way it will look neater and not block the view.

Where to put the sticker to avoid getting a fine

The placement of the sticker on the car is adjustable Traffic regulations (clause 7.3) and GOST R 50577-93. If the sticker covers more than 20% of the rear window area or interferes with the driver’s view, the traffic police inspector may issue a fine. 1,500 rubles according to Part 1 of Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offences. You should also not put stickers on:

  • 🚫 Windshield - even a small sticker in the corner can cause a fine.
  • 🚫 Headlights or dimensions - this disrupts light transmission.
  • 🚫 License plates — a fine of up to 5,000 rubles for closing even part of the number.
  • 🚫 Rear view mirrors — if the sticker interferes with the view.

Safe areas for stickers:

  • ✅ Right rear window (no closer than 10 cm to the edge).
  • ✅ Bumper (if the sticker does not cover the number).
  • ✅ Doors or wings (does not interfere with the view).
  • ✅ Rear door (on hatchbacks).

On Volkswagen Polo or Hyundai Solaris The sticker is often placed on the right side of the rear window - there it is visible in the rearview mirror, but does not interfere with the driver. When in doubt, check your visibility: get behind the wheel and see if the sticker is blocking important elements (such as signs or pedestrians).

What happens if you stick a sticker on your windshield?

According to clause 7.3 of the traffic rules, any objects that impair visibility are prohibited. The inspector may issue a fine of 500 ₽ (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code) or an order to remove the sticker. In rare cases, the car will be evacuated to an impound lot if the sticker completely blocks the view.

Step-by-step instructions: how to apply a sticker without bubbles

To ensure that the sticker lasts a long time and looks neat, follow this algorithm. You will need: vinyl sticker, squeegee (or plastic card), spray bottle with soap solution (1 drop of Fairy per 200 ml of water), hair dryer (for warming up complex bends), and alcohol solution for degreasing the surface.

Wash and dry the surface of the car|Degrease the area with alcohol or anti-silicone|Prepare a soap solution|Heat the sticker with a hair dryer (if you are gluing it on a bend)|Measure and mark the area with a pencil-->

Next, follow the steps:

  1. Apply soap solution on the surface of the car and on the adhesive side of the sticker. This will allow you to adjust the position of the sticker.
  2. Attach a sticker to the surface and align with the markings. Start at the top edge and work your way down.
  3. Banish the bubbles squeegee from the center to the edges. Movements should be smooth, without pressure.
  4. Warm up with a hairdryer (if the sticker is on the bend of the bumper or hood). Temperature - 50–60°C, no higher!
  5. Let dry 24 hours. During this time, do not wash your car or park in direct sunlight.

If after gluing there are small bubbles left, pierce them with a needle and smooth them out with a squeegee. Large bubbles mean that debris has gotten under the sticker - in this case, you will have to peel it off and redo it.

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Never place the sticker on a dirty or greasy surface - it will fall off within a week. Degrease the area with alcohol or a special cleaner (for example, 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner).

How to remove an old sticker without leaving a trace

If the previous sticker left behind sticky marks or damaged the paintwork, use these methods. Do not use a knife or metal scrapers — they scratch the paint. Instead:

  • 🔥 Hair dryer + plastic scraper — heat the sticker with a hairdryer (no higher than 80°C) and carefully pry off the edge. The glue will soften and the sticker will come off entirely.
  • 🧴 Special cleaners — 3M Citrus Adhesive Remover or Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover. Apply for 5 minutes, then wipe with microfiber.
  • 🧼 Soap solution + sponge - Suitable for fresh marks (up to 2 weeks). Lather the surface and scrub with a soft sponge.
  • 🚫 What not to do:
    • Use acetone or solvent 646 - they spoil the paintwork.
    • Peel off the sticker “dry” - sticky stains will remain.
    • Use sandpaper - even “zero” leaves micro-scratches.

After removing the sticker, treat the area wax or polish (for example, Turtle Wax Ice Seal N Shine) to restore the protective layer of paint.

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If the glue doesn't come off, try a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Apply for 10 minutes, then wipe with a cloth.

The sticker itself with the inscription "Like my ex" is not prohibited by law if it does not violate three rules:

  1. Does not interfere with the view (clause 7.3 of the traffic rules).
  2. Does not contain obscene language (Article 20.1 of the Administrative Code - fine up to 2,500 rubles).
  3. Does not imitate emergency signs (Article 12.4 of the Administrative Code - fine 5,000 rubles).

However, there are pitfalls:

  • ⚖️ If the sticker covers more than 20% of the rear window, the inspector may interpret this as “impaired visibility” and issue a fine.
  • ⚖️ Inscriptions with a hint of aggression (for example, “Ex-girlfriend is a bitch”) can be considered an insult. In this case, the fine is up to 2,500 rubles (Article 5.61 of the Administrative Code).
  • ⚖️ In some regions (for example, Moscow), local regulations prohibit any stickers on glass, except technical ones (tinting, signals).

If you are stopped because of a sticker, behave as follows:

  1. Link to letter from the traffic police dated February 20, 2018 No. 13/2-124, where it is said that small stickers (up to 10% of the glass area) are not a violation.
  2. If the inspector insists on a fine, ask to draw up a protocol indicating exact wording of the violation.
  3. Dispute the fine through Public services or court if the sticker really does not interfere with the view.
An example of a successful challenge to a fine for a sticker

In 2021, a driver from Yekaterinburg challenged a fine for a sticker on the rear window, providing a photo showing that the sticker occupied less than 5% of the area. The court sided with him, since the review was not obstructed.

Alternatives to the classic sticker: magnets, decals, luminous stickers

If you don't want to apply a permanent sticker or are afraid of fines, consider alternative options:

  • 🧲 Magnetic stickers — attached without glue, easy to remove. Disadvantage: they can fly off at high speed.
  • 🎨 Decal on glass — applied inside the cabin, is not afraid of washing. Suitable for inscriptions like “Beware, blonde!”
  • 💡 Glowing stickers — with phosphor coating or LED backlighting. Visible at night, but require connection to the on-board network.
  • 🖌️ Airbrush — the design is applied with paint and lasts for years. Expensive (from 5,000 ₽), but looks premium.

For magnetic stickers, choose models with neodymium magnets — they hold on tighter than usual. For example, on Ford Focus or Skoda Octavia Such stickers are often attached to the trunk lid.

If you want a luminous sticker, please pay attention to EL film (electroluminescent). It connects to the cigarette lighter and glows blue or green. Disadvantage: requires careful installation so as not to damage the wiring.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to put a sticker on the tint?

Yes, but only if tinted not metallized. Vinyl stickers do not adhere well to metallized film and may fall off after a few weeks. Also keep in mind that when removing the sticker, the tint may tear.

How to make a sticker yourself if you haven’t found a ready-made one?

You will need:

  1. Vector editor (Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator) to create a design.
  2. Plotter for printing (or local studio services).
  3. Vinyl film Oracal 651 or 3M Scotchcal.

Save the finished file in the format .svg or .ai and print it on vinyl. If there is no plotter, order a print from any studio (for example, StickerMan).

What to do if the sticker starts to come off after a month?

Causes of detachment:

  • Poor degreasing of the surface before gluing.
  • Cheap vinyl without adhesive layer.
  • Car washing under high pressure (Kärcher).

To fix:

  1. Carefully pry up the loose edge and apply underneath superglue "Moment Gel".
  2. Press down with a weight (for example, a book) for 12 hours.
  3. If a large part has come off, re-glue the sticker with degreasing.
Can a vehicle inspection be denied because of a sticker?

Refusal is possible if the sticker:

  • Closes signs or inscriptions (for example, model make on the trunk).
  • Located on headlights or dimensions.
  • Contains obscene language or symbols of extremist organizations.

In other cases, the sticker is not a reason for refusing maintenance.

Where can I download a vector file for printing stickers?

Look for free vectors at:

  • Freepik (filter “Free vectors”).
  • The Noun Project (icons and inscriptions).
  • VKontakte groups like “Vectors for plotters”.

For the inscription "Like my ex" you can use fonts Bebas Neue (bold) or Montserrat Bold.