Attaching state license plates is a task that every car owner faces. It would seem that it could be simpler: take self-tapping screws, screw them on - and you're done. But in practice, the wrong choice of fasteners leads to fines from the traffic police, corrosion of numbers or even their loss while driving. In this article we will look at what self-tapping screws for car number are best suited, how to install them correctly and what to pay attention to so as not to violate traffic regulations.
Few people know, but the requirements for attaching numbers are specified in GOST R 50577-93 and Technical regulations of the Customs Union. For example, the sign must be secured so that it cannot be removed without a tool, but it must not obscure or distort the symbols. And also - self-tapping screws should not rust and spoil the paintwork of the body. How to achieve this? Read on.
What screws are suitable for attaching license plates to cars?
Not all screws are equally useful for license plates. Main selection criteria:
- 🔹 Material: stainless steel (marking A2 or A4) or galvanized steel. Ordinary “black” self-tapping screws will begin to rust within a month.
- 🔹 Size: optimal length -
12–16 mm, diameter -3.5–4.2 mm. Self-tapping screws that are too long can rest against the metal of the body and damage it. - 🔹 Head type: secret (for hidden installation) or semicircular (with a press washer for reliability). The head should not protrude above the surface of the number.
- 🔹 carving: frequent (for plastic numbers) or universal (for metal signs).
Popular options among car owners:
- 🛠️ Metal screws 3.9×13 mm with press washer - a universal choice for most rooms.
- 🛠️ Stainless steel self-tapping screws 4.2×16 mm with countersunk head — for hidden mounting on premium cars.
- 🛠️ Self-tapping screws with rubber gasket — prevent corrosion and vibration.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use self-tapping screws with sharp end (like "bugs") for plastic numbers - they can split the sign. Self-tapping screws with blunt tip or pre-drilling holes.
Screw sizes for numbers: correspondence table
The choice of length and diameter of the screw depends on the material of the license plate and the location of attachment. Below are the recommended parameters for different cases:
| License plate type | Body material | Diameter (mm) | Length (mm) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal sign | Metal (bumper, fender) | 3.9–4.2 | 12–14 | Press washer required |
| Plastic sign | Plastic (bumper) | 3.5 | 10–12 | Blunt drill or pre-hole |
| Metal sign | Plastic (bumper) | 3.9 | 16 | Use rubber gaskets |
| Plastic sign | Metal (wing) | 3.5–3.9 | 12–14 | Drill holes with a diameter of 3.2 mm |
Critical error: Self-tapping screws longer than 20 mm can penetrate the thin metal of the bumper or fender, damaging internal components (for example, wiring or amplifiers). Before installation, always check the thickness of the material with a caliper or a smaller drill bit.
If you attach the number to plastic bumper, it is better to use self-tapping screws with rubber seals or nylon bushings. They prevent plastic from cracking due to temperature changes.
How to properly screw a number with self-tapping screws: step-by-step instructions
The process of attaching a license plate seems simple, but there are nuances that affect the reliability and legality of the installation. Follow this algorithm:
- Surface preparation: clean the mounting area from dirt and degrease with alcohol. If the number is metal, remove the factory film from the drilling areas.
- Marking: attach the number to the installation site and mark the centers of future holes with a pencil or marker. For standard signs, the distance between holes is -
110–120 mmhorizontally and50–60 mmvertically. - Drilling:
- For metal: Use a drill with a diameter of
3.2–3.5 mm(for 3.9 mm self-tapping screws). - For plastic: drill
2.5–3.0 mm, drill speed - no more than 500 rpm.
- For metal: Use a drill with a diameter of
Matching of the holes on the sign and the body|No rust on the screws|Thickness of the material (at least 2 mm for 16 mm screws)|Presence of rubber gaskets (for plastic)|Color of the screws matches the color of the body (optional)-->
⚠️ Attention: If you attach the number to bumper with polyurethane foam filler (for example, on many modern crossovers), the screw should be shorter than the thickness of the plastic. Otherwise, it will rest against the foam, and the fastening will be unreliable. In such cases, use 3M double sided tape in combination with self-tapping screws.
Before drilling the plastic bumper, place masking tape over the holes - this will prevent chips and cracks.
Legal requirements for attaching license plates: what the traffic police say
Incorrectly attaching a license plate may result in a fine. Part 1 Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - up to 500 rubles. Basic requirements:
- 📜 The number must be firmly assigned: It cannot be removed without a tool (for example, if it is only held in place by tape).
- 📜 Symbols must not be closed fastening elements. Self-tapping screws can only be placed at the edges of the sign.
- 📜 "Rotating" mounts are prohibited, which allow the number to be rotated (for example, on hinges).
- 📜 Screw color is not regulated, but they should not be conspicuous (for example, bright red on a white background).
Traffic police officers often check the license plates when stopping. If the self-tapping screw has come loose and the sign is dangling, this is equivalent to its absence - fine 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights to 1–3 months (by Part 2 Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses).
Frequently asked question: Is it possible to attach the number with double-sided tape? Formally, no, since it is easy to tear it off with your hands. But in practice, many car owners combine tape with screws (for example, 2 screws on top and tape on the bottom). It is not against the law if the sign cannot be removed without a tool.
What happens if you lose your number due to poor fastening?
If the number is lost due to your fault (for example, the screws came loose), you will have to:
1. Write a statement to the traffic police about the loss.
2. Pay the state fee for a new sign (2,000 rubles in 2026).
3. Receive a duplicate, which will take from 3 days to 2 weeks.
In this case, the inspector may issue a fine for the absence of a license plate (5,000 rubles), even if you have already submitted an application.
Top 5 mistakes when attaching license plates with self-tapping screws
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to fines or damage to the body. Here are the most common:
- Using rusty screws. Oxidation begins within a month, and the sign may “stick” to the body. To remove it you will have to drill or break it.
- Self-tapping screws are too long. They pierce the bumper right through, which leads to corrosion of the internal elements. For example, on Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Rapid Bumper reinforcements are often damaged.
- Fastening with 2 screws only. The number begins to “walk” when vibrating, which is regarded as an unreliable mount. Minimum - 4 points (at the corners).
- No gaskets. Without rubber or plastic washers, a metal sign will rattle on uneven surfaces, and a plastic sign will crack.
- Pulling screws. This deforms the number plate (especially the plastic one) and can lead to chipping of the paint on the body.
Another typical problem is hole misalignment on the sign and body. For example, on Lada Vesta and Kia Rio The standard holes for the number are located asymmetrically. In this case, it is better not to drill new ones, but to use universal mounts with adjustable position (sold in auto stores).
If you are buying a used car, be sure to check the number plates. The previous owner may have used non-standard screws or damaged the threads. In this case, it is better to replace the fasteners completely.
Alternative fastening methods: when self-tapping screws are not suitable
In some cases, self-tapping screws cannot be used or are inconvenient. Let's look at the alternatives:
- 🔧 Rivet fastening:
- ✅ Pros: reliable, does not unwind, suitable for metal license plates.
- ❌ Disadvantages: requires a riveter, dismantling only by drilling.
- 🔧 Double-sided tape 3M VHB:
- ✅ Pros: does not damage the body, installs quickly.
- ❌ Cons: does not comply with GOST (can be torn off with your hands), does not hold well in cold weather.
- 🔧 Magnetic mounts:
- ✅ Pros: easy to remove/install, no holes.
- ❌ Disadvantages: suitable only for metal bodies, they can fly off on bumps.
- 🔧 Velcro fastening (textile velcro):
- ✅ Pros: you can quickly rent a room (for example, for washing).
- ❌ Cons: unreliable, the inspector may fine you.
⚠️ Attention: If you choose an alternative method, make sure that the number cannot be removed without tools. For example, magnetic mounts should require a screwdriver for removal (e.g., with a locking mechanism). Otherwise, this is equivalent to a lack of fastening.
On premium cars (for example, Mercedes-Benz, BMW) are often used hidden mount — self-tapping screws are screwed into the inside of the bumper. This protects them from vandals and corrosion, but requires the bumper to be removed for installation.
How to remove a license plate without damaging the body
If you need to remove a license plate (for example, to sell a car or replace a sign), do it carefully:
- Process the screws WD-40 or brake fluid 10–15 minutes before dismantling. This will help loosen rusty fasteners.
- Use a screwdriver or screwdriver with an attachment
PH2(cross). If the head of the screw is “licked off”, take extractor or pliers. - After removing the number, seal the holes screw plugs or masking tapeto avoid corrosion.
If the screw breaks during dismantling, do not try to drill it yourself - you risk damaging the body. Better contact the service where they use left hand drill for careful removal.
On some cars (for example, Toyota Camry or Hyundai Solaris) number is attached to plastic clips. To remove them, pry the clip with a flat-head screwdriver and pull it towards you. Do not use excessive force - the clips are fragile and often break.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about number plate screws
Is it possible to use wood screws to attach the number plate?
No. Wood screws have a rare thread and a sharp tip that will split the plastic number or will not provide reliable fastening to the metal. Cars need self-tapping screws for metal with frequent threads.
What is the fine for missing one screw on the license plate?
If the number is held on by 3 screws out of 4, the inspector may regard this as an unreliable fastening and issue a fine. 500 rubles by Part 1 Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses. To avoid problems, always use all 4 mounting points.
What to do if the self-tapping screw rotates in the hole?
If the threads in the body are broken, there are several ways:
- Screw in a self-tapping screw of a larger diameter (for example,
4.2 mminstead of3.9 mm). - Insert into hole threaded bushing (futorku).
- Fill the hole epoxy resin and screw in the screw after hardening.
The most reliable option is a bushing.
Do I need to paint the screw heads to match the body color?
The law does not require this, but it is aesthetically better if the fasteners are not conspicuous. For painting use car enamel in a can (select color according to body code) or scratch restoration marker.
Is it possible to attach the number to hex head screws?
Yes, but only if the head does not protrude above the surface of the sign. Otherwise it may be regarded as design change numbers (fine 5,000 rubles). It is better to use self-tapping screws with a countersunk or semicircular head.