What are “bad” numbers and why are they controversial?

Choosing a license plate number is a matter that many drivers perceive not only as a formality, but also as a personal statement. However, not all combinations of numbers and letters are considered “successful”. "Bad" numbers is a term that combines several categories: from superstitious signs to legal pitfalls. Some are afraid of “unlucky” numbers, others face problems during registration, and some owners simply cannot sell the car due to an “unlucky” combination.

In Russia and the CIS countries, attitudes towards license plates are often intertwined with popular beliefs. For example, numbers with a digit 13 or 666 many consider them “cursed”, and combinations like 000 or 111 associated with scammers. But there are also objective reasons to avoid some numbers: numbers with repeating characters (for example, AAA 777) may attract the attention of traffic police inspectors as “suspicious”, and combinations that coincide with service or special signals are generally prohibited from being issued.

At the same time, legally the concept of “good” or “bad” number does not exist - they are all equivalent from the point of view of the law. However, in practice, some combinations can complicate the life of the owner: from difficulties with re-registration to problems with selling the car. Next, we’ll look at which numbers are considered problematic, why they are avoided, and how to check the number before buying a car.

📊 Do you believe in “bad” license plates?
Yes, I avoid certain combinations
No, it's superstition
I find it difficult to answer
Heard stories but haven't verified

Top 5 “bad” numbers in terms of signs and superstitions

Many drivers are still guided by popular beliefs when choosing a license plate number. Some combinations are considered "unlucky" or even dangerous. Here are the most common of them:

  • 🔢 13 - "the devil's dozen." Numbers with this combination (for example, A133AA or O130OO) many avoid, believing that they attract accidents and breakdowns. In some countries such numbers are not even issued.
  • 👹 666 - “number of the beast”. Cars with such numbers (for example, A666AA) often become the object of ridicule or superstitious fear. Owners complain that they are stopped more often, and such cars can be vandalized in parking lots.
  • ☠️ 000 - “death number”. In some cultures, three zeros are associated with the end or loss. In addition, such numbers are often faked by scammers, which creates problems during checks.
  • 💀 4 — in Chinese culture this number sounds like the word “death”, so numbers with fours (for example, A444AA) are avoided not only in Asia, but also among superstitious Russians.
  • 🎭 Repeating characters (for example, AAA 777 or LLC 000). Such numbers attract attention as “non-standard”, which can lead to more frequent stops to check documents.

Interestingly, in some regions "unlucky" numbers are cheaper on the secondary market. For example, a car with license plate A666AA you can buy 10–15% cheaper than a similar model with a “neutral” combination. However, when resold, such a car can “hang” on sites for a long time.

⚠️ Attention: If you buy a car with a “problem” number, make sure that it is not listed in the stolen or counterfeit database. Fraudsters often use “unpopular” combinations to manipulate documents.

Not all symbol combinations are allowed to be issued. The traffic police adheres to strict rules for the formation of license plates, and some combinations may be blocked or seized. Here are the key restrictions:

  • 🚫 Numbers matching service numbers. For example, combinations used for emergency vehicles (A 001 AA), police (A 020 AA) or other special services, cannot be obtained for personal transport.
  • 📛 Numbers with obscene or offensive combinations. For example, DICK, ASS or other vulgar abbreviations (even if they are accidentally formed from letters). Such numbers are confiscated upon discovery.
  • 🔄 Number plates previously used on stolen or wanted cars. They may be blocked from the database, even if the new owner is not involved in any offenses.
  • 🆔 Numbers with unreadable or modified characters. For example, if the letter Oh replaced by 0 or added decorative elements that interfere with identification.

In addition, some regions have unspoken restrictions. For example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg it is difficult to obtain numbers with combinations that can be read as abbreviations of political parties or extremist organizations. Also prohibited are numbers that imitate foreign or diplomatic signs (for example, with flags or coats of arms).

Type of "bad" number Reason for ban/restriction Consequences for the owner
Service combinations (for example, A 001 AA) Reserved for special vehicles Confiscated upon discovery, possible fine
Obscene abbreviations (for example, DICK 777) Violation of public morals Forced number change at the expense of the owner
Number plates of stolen cars (for example, A123AA 77) Wanted Seizure of the car until the circumstances are clarified
Modified characters (for example, Oh → 0) Impair identification Fine 500–1000 rubles (Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code)

If you find that your number falls under one of these restrictions, you will have to replace it. To do this, you need to contact the traffic police with an application and pay the state fee (2,000 rubles for new signs).

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Before buying a car with an “unusual” number, check it through the service traffic police or Autocode. This will help avoid problems with re-registration.

How a “bad” number affects the cost and sale of a car

A license plate is not just an identifier, but also part of the car’s image. Cars with “unlucky” license plates often last longer and are sold cheaper. According to the service Avto.ru, the price difference between cars with “neutral” and “problem” license plates can reach 5–20%.

Here's how the number affects sales:

  • 📉 Cost reduction. Buyers often negotiate harder if they see an "unlucky" license plate, even if the car is in perfect condition.
  • ⏳ Extending the sale period. Advertisements with numbers like A666AA or O130OO can hang on platforms 2–3 times longer.
  • 🔄 Difficulties with re-registration. If the number is listed in the stolen database or has a “suspicious” history, the new owner may refuse the transaction.
  • 🚨 Problems with lending. Banks sometimes refuse a car loan if the car number falls under internal “black lists” (for example, due to frequent changes of owners).

On the other hand, some "bad" numbers become collector's items. For example, signs with rare combinations (like AAA 001) can be sold at auctions for tens of thousands of rubles. But this is the exception rather than the rule.

⚠️ Attention: If you are selling a car with a “problem” license plate, be prepared for the buyer to demand a discount or replacement plates. In some cases, it is easier to immediately change the number before selling - this will speed up the transaction.

Check the number with the traffic police for restrictions|Assess how much the combination can scare off buyers|Prepare arguments (for example, “the number has never caused problems”)|Consider replacing the number if the car is not for sale for a long time-->

Is it possible to change a “bad” number and how much does it cost?

If your license plate falls into the “problematic” category, it can be replaced. The procedure is regulated By Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 605 and takes from 1 to 3 days. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Prepare documents:
    • Owner's passport
    • STS and PTS of the car
    • OSAGO insurance policy
    • Application for replacement of license plates (sample can be downloaded from the traffic police website)
  2. Pay the state fee:
    • 2,000 rubles - for new license plates
    • 500 rubles - for making changes to the PTS
    • 350 rubles - for a new STS (if required)
  • Submit documents to the traffic police:
    • Via Public services (with 30% discount on duties)
    • In person at the traffic police department
    • Through the MFC (in some regions)
    • Get new numbers and documents.

    Important: when changing numbers, you will be given new signs with a different combination. Old numbers definitely give up in the traffic police - they cannot be kept or transferred to third parties. If you want to keep a “beautiful” combination, you can try to buy it at auction (for example, through Unified information system in the field of procurement), but it will cost tens of thousands of rubles.

    The production time for new numbers is from several hours to 3 working days. In some regions (for example, Moscow) there is an expedited procedure for an additional fee.

    What to do if the traffic police refuses to change the license plate?

    If you are denied a license plate replacement without explanation, request a written refusal. Most often this is due to:

    - Unpaid fines (check traffic police website).

    - Restrictions on the car (arrest, theft).

    - Inconsistency of documents (for example, discrepancy between VIN in PTS and STS).

    In these cases, you must first eliminate the reason for the refusal and then resubmit your application.

    How to check the license plate before buying a car: step-by-step instructions

    Before buying a used car be sure to check his license plate history. This will help avoid problems with re-registration, fines or even criminal liability. Here's what to do:

    1. Check through the traffic police

      Go to official website of the traffic police and enter the car number. The system will show:

      • Is the car wanted?
      • Are there any restrictions on registration actions?
      • History of accidents (if any were recorded)
    2. Checking via Autocode

      Service Autocode provides expanded information including:

      • Number of previous owners
      • History of fines
      • Facts of using the license plate on other cars (possible substitution)
  • Checking through bailiff databases

    On the website FSSP you can find out whether the car has been seized or banned from registration.

  • Visual inspection of rooms

    Make sure that:

    • The numbers are not overprinted (check the paint and relief of the symbols)
    • No signs of tampering (for example, mismatched fonts)
    • The mounts are not damaged (fraudsters sometimes fake license plates to hide the theft)

    If the number is listed in the stolen database or has a “dark” history, it is better to refuse to purchase such a car. Even if the seller offers a big discount, the risks (including repossession of the car) are not worth the savings.

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    The most reliable way to check a license plate is a combination of data from the traffic police, Autocode and visual inspection. If at least one source shows problems, it is better to cancel the deal.

    Myths and reality: should you be afraid of “bad” numbers?

    There are many myths surrounding license plates. Let's figure out which of them have a basis, and which are just superstitions.

    Myth Reality What to do
    Rooms with 13 or 666 attract accidents Not statistically confirmed. The accident rate depends on the driver, not on the number. If you believe in omens, change the number. If not, ignore it.
    Numbers with repeating characters (AAA 777) stops the traffic police more often Yes, inspectors may pay attention to “unusual” license plates, but this is not a reason for a fine. Keep your documents in order to avoid problems during verification.
    Rooms with 000 or 111 - sign of a stolen car Not always, but scammers sometimes use such combinations for fakes. Check the number through the traffic police and Autocode before purchasing.
    “Beautiful” numbers (for example, A777AA) are more expensive Yes, on the secondary market such cars can be sold with a markup of 5–10%. If you want to save money, look for cars with “neutral” license plates.

    In most cases, “bad” numbers are a matter of psychology, not real problems. However, there are also objective risks associated with legal restrictions or fraud. Therefore, before buying a car, always check the license plate history, regardless of your attitude towards superstitions.

    If you still decide to replace the “unsuccessful” number, remember: it is not difficult and not expensive (only 2,000 rubles). The main thing is not to ignore real problems (for example, if the number is listed in the stolen database), hoping for “maybe.”

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about “bad” car license plates

    Is it possible to drive with a license plate that is considered “bad”?

    Yes, there are no legal restrictions. “Bad” numbers are a subjective concept related to superstition or market preference. However, if the number falls into prohibited combinations (for example, offensive abbreviations), it will have to be replaced.

    How to find out if the license plate number is included in the database of stolen cars?

    Check the number through the official website of the traffic police (car history check) or Autocode service. If the number is dirty, the system will show a warning.

    Is it worth buying a car with a number 666 or 13if it's cheaper?

    If you are not superstitious and the number does not have legal problems, the purchase can be profitable. However, keep in mind that when resold, such a car may “hang” on the market for a long time. Weigh the pros (low price) and cons (potential difficulties with selling).

    Is it possible to keep a “nice” license plate when selling a car?

    No, license plates are associated with the vehicle, not the owner. When selling the car, the buyer will receive new license plates. If you want to keep the combination, you can try to buy it at auction (for example, through EIS), but it's expensive.

    What should I do if I received a number with an offensive abbreviation?

    Contact the traffic police with an application to replace the license plate. You will be given new numbers, and the old ones will be confiscated. The replacement fee is 2,000 rubles. You shouldn't refuse a replacement: if someone complains about your number, you can be fined for “displaying obscene symbols.”