How many days can you drive without license plates after buying a car: rules and life hacks

Buying a car is an exciting event, but often new owners are faced with the question: how many days can you drive without license plates?until the documents are completed? In 2026, the rules remain strict, but there are nuances that will help you avoid fines. This article will look at all the current rules, exceptions and practical advice for those who have just purchased a car.

Many people mistakenly think that 10 days are given for re-registration - this is a myth. In fact, the period depends on the type of transaction (purchase and sale, inheritance, gift) and even on the region. We analyzed the latest changes in legislation, interviewed lawyers and collected honest reviews from car ownersto give you an accurate answer. We’ll also tell you how to properly issue temporary license plates and what to do if a traffic police inspector stops a car without signs.

Important: the information in the article is relevant for 2026 and takes into account the latest amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses and Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399. Whether you are buying a used car or a new one from a showroom, you will find answers to all your questions here.

Official driving times without license plates

According to Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399 dated June 26, 2018 (current edition 2026), after purchasing a car, the new owner has maximum 10 days for registration. However, this does not mean that you can drive without license plates for all 10 days! Here are the key points:

• 📅 10 days — deadline for registering a car with the traffic police (not for driving without license plates!).
• 🚗 0 days — permitted driving without license plates after purchase (yes, you heard right).
• 📝 Exception: if you have issued transit numbers or temporary registration.

Legal trap: many people get confused registration period (10 days) and driving period without license plates (actually - 0 days). The traffic police inspector has the right to fine you for lack of license plates on the first day after purchase if you do not have transit signs. This confirms Article 12.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (part 2) - fine 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1-3 months.

But there's good news: if you do not go on public roads (for example, you are driving a car through a courtyard or closed area), then theoretically you can do without license plates. However, it will be difficult to prove this to the inspector.

Transit numbers: how to travel legally for 20 days

The only legal way to travel without permanent license plates is to apply for transit signs. They are issued on 20 days and allow:

• 🚛 Drive the car to the registration location.
• 🔧 Undergo technical inspection or repair before registration.
• 📄 Make a deal if the purchase was in another region.

How to get transit numbers:

1. Submit an application to the traffic police (you can through Public services).
2. Provide the purchase and sale agreement and title.
3. Pay the state fee - 1,600 rubles (for plastic signs) or 800 rubles (for paper ones).

Important: transit numbers not renewed. If you didn’t have time to register your car within 20 days, you’ll have to pay a fine or arrange new transits (which is unlikely, since this is a violation).

Sales and purchase agreement (original)

PTS with a mark of change of owner

New owner's passport

Receipt for payment of state duty

Application on the traffic police form -->

Fines for driving without license plates in 2026

If you are stopped without license plates and without transit signs, the inspector has the right to apply one of the following measures (according to Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation):

⚠️ Attention: If you bought a car in another region and are driving home without license plates, the inspector may detain transport until the circumstances are clarified. In this case, only the presence of transit signs or documents for the crossing will help.

Life hack: if you are stopped in the first 2-3 days after the purchase, you can try to negotiate with the inspector by showing a fresh purchase and sale agreement. Some meet halfway and limit themselves to a warning. But this is not the rule, but the exception!

What to do if you bought a car in another city?

The situation becomes more complicated if the car was purchased in another region. The same 10 days for registration apply here, but there are some nuances:

• ✈️ If you are flying by plane home, and the car is being driven by a driver - register ferry contract and transit numbers.
• 🚗 If you are traveling by yourself - transit numbers are required, otherwise a fine at the first stop.
• 📦 If the car is being transported on a tow truck, license plates are not needed, but there must be a transportation agreement.

Case study: a Moscow resident bought Toyota Camry in Yekaterinburg and decided to travel without transit numbers, counting on 10 days. On the second day he was stopped in Nizhny Novgorod - a fine of 5,000 rubles + evacuation. Moral: interregional travel without license plates is a risk.

How to avoid problems: step-by-step instructions

To avoid getting fined, follow this algorithm:

1. Day 0 (day of purchase):
   • Check that your details are included in the PTS.
   • Receive from seller acts of acceptance and transfer and purchase and sale agreement (3 copies).
2. Day 1:
   • Complete OSAGO policy (can be done online). Driving without it is prohibited!
   • Sign up for registration with the traffic police (via Public services — 30% discount).
3. Day 2-3:
   • If you need to travel, get transit license plates.
   • Pass technical inspection (if required for registration).