In the flow of cars on the roads of megacities, you can sometimes notice cars whose license plates are distinguished not just by a beautiful combination of numbers, but by a special abbreviation in the letter part. One of the most recognizable and desirable combinations is considered AAA numbers. For most drivers, this is not just a set of symbols, but a sign of a certain status, belonging to high government structures, or simply a symbol of success. But what is actually hidden behind this combination of letters?
Historically, in Russia, as in many other countries, there is an unspoken hierarchy of car license plates. Combination AAA strongly associated with the administration, especially with the Presidential Administration or the apparatus of regional governments. However, the times when such license plates were issued solely based on position have passed, and now they can be found on a wide variety of cars, which gives rise to many questions and misconceptions.
In this article we will analyze in detail the meaning of letters AAA, let’s find out who they originally belonged to, how much they cost on the modern market and whether their owners have real advantages over other road users. We will also touch on the topic of legislation and try to separate facts from popular myths.
Historical background: origin of the AAA series
The tradition of assigning certain letter codes to government vehicles dates back to Soviet times. Then the license plates looked different, but the principle of series distribution remained the same. Abbreviation AAA (or earlier MOL, MMA depending on the region and year) was assigned to the cars of the country's top leadership. In post-Soviet Russia, this tradition was continued and systematized.
Originally series AAA intended exclusively for vehicles serving Administration of the President of the Russian Federation. It was a kind of pass that allowed free passage into restricted areas and use of special lanes. Later, with the expansion of the range and changes in administrative structures, similar series began to appear in regional centers, designating the cars of governors and heads of local administrations.
Interesting fact about the AMM series
The AMM series is often mentioned next to AAA. If AAA is the Administration, then AMM has historically been assigned to the cars of the Moscow City Hall and the Moscow Government apparatus. This is also an elite series that has a similar status.
Over time, especially in the early 2000s, control over the issuance of such license plates weakened, and they began to appear on the cars of large businessmen and people close to power. This led to the erosion of the concept of “license number” and the transformation of beautiful combinations of letters into a product. Availability today AAA on the bumper does not guarantee that the owner is related to the civil service, although the association with the authorities remains very strong.
Who owns the AAA numbers today?
The current situation with the distribution of series numbers AAA heterogeneous. Officially, the traffic police denies the existence of any privileged series, but statistics and practice show the opposite. A significant portion of these numbers are still managed Special purpose garage (GON) and other special forces providing transport services for senior state officials.
However, the commercial component cannot be denied. Many numbers with letters AAA were purchased by private individuals through intermediaries or obtained during a period when regulations were less stringent. Such cars can often be seen in the center of Moscow or St. Petersburg. The owners can be top managers of large corporations, deputies at various levels, or simply wealthy people who want to emphasize their status.
It is worth noting that the situation may differ in regions. If in Moscow AAA - this is the elite, then in remote areas such numbers may be less common and have even higher “weight” in the eyes of local residents and traffic police officers. However, even in the regions, some of these numbers remain reserved for local management.
How much do AAA numbers cost and what does the price depend on?
The license plate market in Russia is a shadowy but very vibrant industry. Series number cost AAA can vary within enormous limits, starting from several hundred thousand rubles and reaching millions. The price is formed not according to the official price list (which does not exist), but according to the law of supply and demand, as well as subjective factors.
Main factors influencing cost:
- Digital combination: Number A 001 AA will cost an order of magnitude more than A 583 AA. The more “round” and memorable the numbers, the higher the price.
- Registration region: Moscow numbers (code 77, 777, 99, 999, etc.) with series AAA are valued above all else. Regional codes are cheaper, but can also be expensive in rich regions of the Russian Federation.
- Document status: Is the number sold together with the donor car or issued through re-registration. Often, to legalize a purchase, a complex scheme involving donation or sale of a car is required.
On average, "just" series AAA without outstanding figures, it can be estimated at 150–300 thousand rubles. If we are talking about the number A 001 AA or A 002 AA with the Moscow code, the bill could be millions of rubles. Purchasing such numbers always involves risks, since there is no official procedure for purchasing them.
When purchasing a car with a nice number plate, always check the car's history. Sometimes behind the beautiful letters there is a credit history or legal problems that will pass to the new owner along with the number.
Benefits and Myths of Privilege on the Road
There is a strong opinion that the presence of a series on a car AAA gives immunity from fines and allows you to ignore traffic rules. This is one of the most common myths. Formally, legally "About the Police" and Traffic rules, no license plates give the right to violate traffic rules.
However, reality makes its own adjustments. Traffic police officers really treat such cars with increased attention and caution. Checking documents for cars with license plates AAA or EKH often requires approval from management, which creates bureaucratic obstacles to issuing a fine “on the spot.” But this does not mean permissiveness.
What real benefits could there be:
- Psychological factor: Other drivers often give way, believing that an important official is driving in the car.
- Less attention to DPS: Inspectors are less likely to stop such vehicles for routine inspections without good reason, fearing communication with higher management.
- Access to closed areas: In some cases (especially in the center of Moscow), such numbers can serve as a pass to certain zones, although now this is more often regulated by electronic passes.
⚠️ Attention: It is a criminal offense to attempt to use false identification or to pretend to be an intelligence agency through the use of stickers or unofficial flashing lights. Buying a license plate secondhand also carries the risk of losing money and a car.
It is important to understand that in the era of photo recording cameras and license plate recognition systems (Flow, Arrow) the advantages of special numbers are reduced to a minimum. The camera records violations of speed or entry into the public transport lane automatically, regardless of the letters on the bumper. The fine will come to the owner, and it will be impossible to challenge it, citing “status”.
Legal aspect: is it possible to buy a number officially?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399, the assignment of state registration plates (GRP) is carried out randomly or at the request of the applicant from among the available numbers in the traffic police department. There is no official paid service for choosing a specific combination of letters and numbers (except for the opportunity to apply to retain the number when selling a car).
All schemes for "purchasing" series numbers AAA are semi-legal or illegal. The “donor car” scheme is most often used. The buyer purchases a car that already has the desired number assigned to it. After registering the car in his name, the new owner can keep the number and sell or dispose of the car. It is the cost of the donor car in such transactions that is inflated to the skies and is actually the price of the license plate.
Table comparing legal and illegal methods of obtaining numbers:
| Parameter | Official issue (State Traffic Police) | Purchasing through intermediaries | Saving a number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of state duty | 2000 rub. (plastic) + 500 rub. (STS) | From 50,000 to 5,000,000+ rubles. | 850 rub. (for issuing a new STS and making changes) |
| Combination selection | Random or from availability in the database | Any available on the black market | Only previously assigned to you |
| Risks | None | High (fraud, problems with the law) | Minimum |
| Receipt time | 1 day (upon registration) | From 1 day to several weeks | 1 day |
It is officially impossible to buy a specific AAA number from the traffic police. All offers for sale are market schemes with high risks for the buyer.
How to distinguish a real license plate from a fake
In pursuit of status, some car owners resort to outright fraud by installing fake license plates or using non-standard fonts. Distinguish real AAA number You can detect a fake based on several signs, knowledge of which will be useful for every driver.
First, pay attention to the font. State registration plates use a special font approved by GOST. Letters and numbers must be of a certain shape and thickness. Often on fakes, the letters “A” look too wide or narrow, and the flag and region code are printed out of proportion.
Secondly, check the presence of reflective film and protective markings. Modern plates have microtext and special security elements that are visible from a certain angle or with a magnifying glass. On cheap fakes, the surface can simply be painted over with paint without the “return effect” of light.
- 🔍 Checking the database: There are many online services for checking a car by VIN or number. If the number is listed as stolen or appears on another make of car, this is 100% fake or a mistake.
- 🔍 Issue region: The region code on the license plate must correspond to the place of registration of the owner (although now you can register a car in any region, a discrepancy may raise questions). Code 77, 99, 97, 777, 799, 797 is Moscow.
- 🔍 Mount: The number must be attached to regular places. The use of frames that cover part of the characters or the region code is prohibited and may be a sign of a desire to hide the true origin of the number.
⚠️ Attention: Installing counterfeit license plates (Article 326 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) or using forged documents threatens with deprivation of rights for a period of 6 months to 1 year (Part 2 of Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation) or even criminal liability. Do not be fooled by offers to buy a “copy” of the special number.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I get an AAA number for free?
Theoretically, if you become a high-ranking official of the corresponding rank, such a number could be issued to you based on your position. For an ordinary citizen, get a series AAA It’s almost impossible for free, since these combinations are either reserved or purchased long ago. In a regular traffic police department, you will most likely get a random number.
What does area code 777 mean on an AAA number?
Region code 777 (like 77, 99, 97, 799, 797) indicates that the car is registered in the city of Moscow. Series AAA 777 is considered one of the most prestigious and expensive in Russia, as it combines an elite letter combination and the “capital” code of the region.
Is there a difference between AAA and EKH numbers?
Yes, there is a difference. Series AAA historically belongs to the Presidential Administration. Series EKH (often deciphered as “I Food As I Want”, but does not officially have such an abbreviation) was assigned to FSB cars. Both series are considered elite, but belong to different departments.
Is it possible to sell the car and keep the AAA number for yourself?
Yes, the law allows the owner to retain the state registration plate when selling the car. To do this, you need to write an application to the traffic police, pay the state fee for issuing new license plates for the car you are selling and receive a saved license plate for storage (the storage period has been increased to 1 year). This number can then be installed on a new car.
Is it true that AAA plates give you the right to park anywhere?
No, it's a myth. No license plates included AAA, do not give the right to park in prohibited places, on sidewalks or in places for the disabled. For such violations, evacuation and fines are applied on a general basis, although in rare cases the car may not be touched until the owner arrives if it does not create critical interference.