Decoding car number plates: what letters, numbers and region codes mean in

Why car numbers are not just a set of characters

State registration plates (GRP) of cars are not just a random set of letters and numbers. Each symbol carries specific information: from the registration region to the issuing series. In Russia, the number system has undergone several changes, and today the rules approved by by order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399 of 2018. Understanding the decoding will help not only satisfy curiosity, but also avoid mistakes when buying a used car or checking its history.

For example, knowing region code, you can determine where the car was registered for the first time, and by series of letters — approximate year of issue. This is especially true for those who buy a car secondhand: a discrepancy between the region in the title and the license plate may indicate re-registration or a dirty trick. In this article we will analyze all the elements of a license plate - from standard A 123 BV 77 to new formats with three letters and numbers.

Structure of a standard license plate: what is located where

The classic Russian number consists of 8 characters, divided into three blocks: B B CC BB, where B - letter, a C - number. Let's look at each element in detail:

• 🔤 First letter (left) - license plate series. Only 12 Cyrillic letters are used: A, B, E, K, M, N, O, R, S, T, U, X. These characters were chosen for their similarity to Latin letters to make them easier to recognize abroad.
• 🔢 Three digits — a unique number within the series. Range: from 001 up to 999.
• 🔤🔤 Two letters (right) - continuation of the series. The same 12 letters are also used here.
• 📍 Region code - two or three digits to the right (for example, 77 for Moscow, 177 for new episodes). We will look at the full list of regions below.

Example: in the room M 723 OA 178 the decoding is as follows: M - series, 723 - number in the series, OA - continuation of the series, 178 - code Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

Region codes: how to determine where a car is from

The region code is the only element of a license plate that is directly tied to geography. It indicates in which subject of the Russian Federation the car was registered for the first time. Important: the code does not change when the owner moves to another region (if the car has not been deregistered). Full list of encodings approved traffic police and is updated regularly.

Some codes are duplicated with the addition of a number 1 in front (for example, 77 — Moscow, 177 - also Moscow, but new series). Here are current examples:

Code	Region	Note
77, 97, 99, 177, 197, 199, 777	Moscow	Codes 97 and 99 issued in 2013–2014, 777 — from 2021
78, 98, 178	St. Petersburg	Code 98 used 2013–2016
50, 90, 150, 190, 750	Moscow region	Code 750 introduced in 2022
02, 102	Republic of Bashkortostan	Code 102 appeared in the 2010s
23, 123, 93	Krasnodar region	Code 93 - temporary, issued in the 2000s

A complete list of encodings can be found at official website of the traffic police. Please note: codes 82 (Crimea) and 92 (Sevastopol) appeared after 2014 and replace Ukrainian numbers.

New number formats: three letters, numbers and special series

Since 2018, numbers began to be issued in Russia new sample with three letters: B B CCC BBB. This is due to the exhaustion of combinations in the old format. For example, number AA 123 AAA now completely legal. The following signs are issued:

• 🚗 For new cars upon first registration.
• 🔄 When replacing lost or damaged numbers.
• 📝 For vehicles re-registered after deregistration.

In addition, there are special series:

- Transit numbers: start with a letter T (for example, T 123 AB 77). Issued for a period of up to 20 days for moving a car.

- Diplomatic numbers: starts with numbers 001–009 and contain letters CD (corps of diplomats) or CC (consulate).

- Military numbers: start with letters MO (Ministry of Defense) or FS (FSB), followed by 6 digits.

Why are the letters "Z" and "Z" not used on some license plates?

These letters are excluded due to their graphic similarity to numbers 3 and 7, which could complicate the recognition of license plates by cameras recording violations.

How to determine the year of manufacture of a car by number?

Contract numbers and letters do not contain direct information about the year of manufacture of the car. However, there are indirect signs that will help to approximately determine the age of the license plate (and not the car!):

1. Number format:

   - B CCCC BB (for example, A 123 VS 77) - issued until 2018.

   - B B CCC BBB (for example, AA 123 AAA) - from 2018 to the present.

2. Series of letters:

   - Numbers with letters X, Y, T at the end of the episode (for example, M 123 TX) are more common on cars of the 2010s.

   - Combinations with A, B, E at the beginning (for example, AAA 123) are typical for new numbers.

3. Region code:

   - Codes 97, 99, 197 and similar ones appeared after 2013.

   - Codes 7XX (for example, 777) - from 2021.

To accurately determine the year of manufacture of a car, use:

- VIN code (located under the windshield or in the technical passport).

- History checking services: Autocode, CarVertical, Public services.

What to do if the number is fake or suspicious?

Fake or altered license plates are not only an administrative violation (fine up to 2 500 ₽ according to Art. 12.2 of the Administrative Code), but also a sign of possible fraud. Look out for the following signs:

⚠️ Attention: If on the number:

- letters or numbers don't match with data in PTS or STS,

- paint peels off or font uneven,

- absent hologram (on new numbers),

then this is a reason to check the car through traffic police or refuse the deal.

How to check the authenticity of the number:

1. Check the symbols with the data in STS (certificate of registration).

2. Check the history via traffic police service by VIN or body number.

3. Pay attention to print quality: official numbers are manufactured in specialized factories using security elements (microtext, holograms).

Frequently asked questions about license plates

Is it possible to choose a nice number when registering a car?

Yes, in some regions the traffic police offers paid service selecting a license plate from free combinations. The cost depends on the “niceness” of the room: for example, AAA 777 may cost 50 000–200 000 ₽. Check current rates on the website State services.

What happens if you drive with license plates from another car?

This qualifies as driving a vehicle with false license plates (Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code). Penalty: 2 500 ₽ or deprivation of rights for 1–3 months. If the numbers are stolen, criminal liability will be added under Art. 325 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

Is it possible to drive without a front license plate?

No. According to Traffic rules clause 2.3.1, must be installed on the vehicle both license plates (front and rear). Penalty for missing one of them: 500 ₽ or warning. The exception is motorcycles and some special equipment.

How to find out if a car is stolen by its license plate number?

Check the car through official services:

• 🔍 Check on the traffic police website (by VIN or body number).
• 📱 Mobile application Public services Auto.
• 💻 Services Autocode or CarVertical (paid reports with history).

⚠️ Attention: Check by number only will not give complete information! Fraudsters often fake license plates on stolen cars. Always check VIN and PTS data.

Is it possible to transfer license plates from one car to another?

No, it's prohibited. Each license plate is tied to a specific VIN and PTS. When selling or replacing a car, the license plates must be handed over to the traffic police, and other plates are issued for the new car (if not retained at the request of the owner).