Have you ever seen a car on the road with an emblem that depicts a car surrounded by stars? Such an icon arouses curiosity: is it either a symbol of a premium brand, or a mark of some special status. In reality, this image hides several stories at once - from legendary racing teams to legal subtleties that every car owner should know about.

In this article we will not just list brands that use similar emblems, but also reveal practical nuances: how to distinguish an original sticker from a fake, what the number of stars means, and why such badges can affect the cost of a car when sold. We’ll also look at cases where the presence of such an emblem can work against you, for example, when applying for compulsory motor liability insurance or passing a technical inspection.

If you are planning to buy a car with this sign or just want to understand what it means, read on. We have collected all the relevant information, including rare facts that cannot be found in standard reviews.

Let's start with the most obvious: the car and stars logo is most often associated with racing teams and premium motorsport divisions. However, not everything is so simple - similar icons can be found in other contexts.

Here are the main categories where you can find such a symbol:

  • 🏁 Racing series: For example, DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) - a German series of touring car racing, where the stars on the emblem indicate the status of a champion or prize-winner. The number of stars corresponds to the number of victories in the season.
  • 🚗 Special versions of cars: Some manufacturers (for example, Mercedes-AMG or BMW M) produce limited editions with unique emblems, where stars symbolize the exclusivity of the model.
  • 📜 Legal and customs marks: In some countries (for example, the UAE or Qatar), stars on the badge may indicate a special customs status of the car - for example, that it was imported under a preferential program.
  • 🔧 Tuning studio: Some workshops specializing in the modification of premium cars place their branded stickers with stars as a sign of the quality of the work performed.

The most famous example is the emblem Mercedes-Benz with three rays of a star, but we are talking specifically about the icon where the car is depicted inside a star ring. Such emblems are often found on cars that participated in rallies or circuit racing, as well as on replicas of legendary racing cars.

📊Have you ever seen a car with a star emblem?
Yes, on the road
Yes, at an exhibition/auto show
No, but I've heard of them
No, and that's news to me.

How many stars are there on the emblem - and what does it mean?

The number of stars on an icon is never random. In the racing world it is a strict system where every star matters. Let's look at the main options:

Number of stars Meaning Examples
1 star Winning one championship or series of races (for example, one victory in DTM or WTCC) Racing versions Audi RS3 or BMW M4 with one star on the hood
2 stars Two victories in the championship or the status of vice-world champion (for example, in WRC) Ford Focus RS WRC (2006–2008 versions with two stars)
3 stars Three or more championship victories or the title of absolute champion (for example, Mercedes-AMG in DTM) Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM (2010–2018)
4–5 stars Exclusive versions for collectors or anniversary models (for example, for the 50th anniversary of the team) Porsche 911 RSR (2017 special episode)
Stars in a circle Belonging to a closed club or association (for example, FIA Historic for retro cars) Classic Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ with signs FIA

It is important to understand that on civilian cars the stars can simply be a design element - especially if the car does not have a racing background. However, if you see such a badge on a used sports car, it is worth checking its history: it may be a former racing car with documented proof of victories.

⚠️ Attention: There are often fake star stickers on the market, which sellers pass off as “original racing ones.” Check your car's history via VIN code and ask for certificates if the seller claims the car has been competed.

It would seem that what’s wrong with a beautiful sticker? However, in some cases, the presence of a “car with stars” emblem can lead to trouble:

  • 📋 Registration problems: If a sign is applied to the glass or hood without approval (for example, it imitates a racing emblem, but the car is not certified for sports), the traffic police inspector may require it to be removed before registration.
  • 💰 Increased tax: In some regions (for example, in Moscow), cars with “racing” symbols can be equated to “tuned” ones, which entails an increase in transport tax.
  • 🛡️ Difficulties with insurance: Insurance companies (eg. Ingosstrakh or RESO-Garantiya) may regard such emblems as a sign of an aggressive driving style and increase the cost of compulsory motor insurance.
  • 🚨 Confiscation upon import: If the stars on the emblem indicate preferential customs treatment (as in the UAE), but this is not documented, the car may be detained at the border.

You should be especially careful when buying used cars with foreign registration. For example, in Dubai stars on the badge may indicate that the car was imported under the expatriate program and cannot be taken outside the country without paying duties. Always check before purchasing:

Clarify the origin of the emblem (racing, tuning, customs mark)

Check the VIN code for competition history

Request documents confirming the legality of symbols

Make sure that the sign does not block the view (otherwise a fine under Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses)

Consult with the insurance company about a possible rate increase -->

If you still decide to keep the emblem, but want to avoid problems, you can officially agree on its installation. To do this you need:

  1. Submit an application to the traffic police with a description of the sign and its location.
  2. Provide documents confirming the right to use it (for example, a racing federation certificate).
  3. Obtain permission to make changes to the design (if the sign is attached to the body).

How to distinguish an original emblem from a fake: 5 key signs

Counterfeit star stickers and badges are common in the aftermarket, especially on premium vehicles. Here's how to avoid getting caught by a fake:

  1. Material and fastening: Original racing team emblems are made of anodized aluminum or stainless steel with laser engraving. Counterfeits are usually made of plastic or thin metal that bends when pressed.
  2. Serial number: There is always a unique number on the back of the original badge, which can be checked on the website of the manufacturer or racing federation. For example, logos FIA have the format XX-XXXX-XX.
  3. Application quality: On the original emblems, the stars and car outlines have clear edges without blur. Counterfeits are often printed on a printer, and upon close inspection, pixelation is visible.
  4. Documentation: The original badge always comes with a certificate or letter from the race team/manufacturer. For example, logos Mercedes-AMG accompanied by a booklet with the history of the model.
  5. Magnetic properties: Many original emblems (eg from Porsche Motorsport) have a built-in magnet for fastening. Counterfeits either do not attract magnets or are attracted too weakly.

If you doubt the authenticity, you can use online verification services such as CheckThatEmblem or database FIA. It is also worth paying attention to the price: the original emblem from BMW M GmbH costs from 15,000 rubles, while a fake can be bought for 500–1000 rubles on the market.

⚠️ Attention: Some scammers sell "race" cars with fake emblems, passing them off as former sports cars. Always check the history through VIN code on sites like CarVertical or AutoDNA. If there is no mention of racing in the report, but there are stars on the car, this is a reason to doubt.
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If you purchase the emblem separately (for example, on eBay or Avito), ask the seller for a photo of the certificate or a letter from the manufacturer. Without documents, the risk of running into a fake is more than 70%.

Where can I legally buy or order such an emblem?

If you want to decorate your car with a car and stars emblem, you have several legal options:

  • 🏆 Official dealers of racing teams: For example, on the website Mercedes-AMG or Porsche Motorsport You can order original stickers and badges. Prices start from 10,000 rubles.
  • 🛒 Specialty stores: In Russia it is Motul Shop, Liqui Moly Store or AutoEmblem. Licensed replicas of emblems are sold there DTM, WRC and other series.
  • 🖌️ Individual order: Companies like StickerYou or VinylStyle They will make an emblem according to your design, but without legal protection (you cannot use brand logos without permission).
  • 🏁 Racing memorabilia auctions: On Bring a Trailer or RM Sotheby’s We periodically sell original emblems from historic cars. The cost can reach up to 50,000 rubles.

If you plan to participate in vintage racing or exhibitions, it is better to purchase a certified emblem. For example, to participate in FIA Historic An original badge is required, which can only be ordered through official federation partners.

For regular tuning, replicas are also suitable, but remember: the use of brand logos (for example, Ferrari or Audi Sport) without permission may lead to claims from copyright holders.

What happens if you use a brand logo without permission?

At best, you will be required to remove the sticker. At worst, the copyright holder (for example, Daimler AG for Mercedes) may file a claim for copyright infringement. Fines reach up to 500,000 rubles, and in some cases the court obliges to pay compensation for each day the logo is used.

Is it possible to make such an emblem yourself? Step by step instructions

If you want to create a unique car and sprockets emblem for your car, this is completely possible. Here is a step-by-step algorithm:

  1. Design development:
    • Use vector editors (Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape or CorelDRAW).
    • Standard proportions: the diameter of the circle is 8–10 cm, the height of the machine inside is 3–4 cm.
    • The stars are usually located around the circle at equal intervals (for example, 5 stars every 72°).
  2. Material selection:
    • For stickers: vinyl film Oracal 651 (weather resistant).
    • For three-dimensional emblems: aluminum 1–2 mm thick or acrylic.
  3. Manufacturing:
    • Labels: print on a plotter (for example, in CopyLand or Printing yard).
    • Metal emblems: order laser cutting in the workshop (cost - from 2000 rubles).
  • Installation:
    • For stickers: clean the surface with alcohol, use rolling squeegee to remove bubbles.
    • For metal emblems: use double-sided tape 3M VHB or mounting bolts (if mounted on the hood).

    If you're not confident in your design skills, you can download templates from sites like Freepik or Flaticon (search for "racing emblem template" or "car badge stars"). The main thing is not to use logos of real brands without permission.

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    Self-made emblems should not block the driver’s view (fine of 500 rubles under Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses) and should not imitate signs of emergency services (fine of up to 5,000 rubles under Part 4 of Article 12.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses).

    Examples of cars with the “car with stars” emblem: photos and stories

    To better understand what such emblems look like in real life, let's look at a few famous examples:

    1. Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM (2010–2018)

    These cars participated in the German series DTM and had an emblem with three stars (according to the number of victories of the team Mercedes-AMG in the championship). The original emblems were made of carbon fiber and had a serial number engraved on the reverse side. Today, such cars are sold at auctions for 5–7 million rubles.

    2. BMW M3 GTR (2001)

    The legendary car that won 24 hours Nürburgring. On the hood there is an emblem with four stars (according to the number of victories BMW in this race). Original emblems today cost up to 30,000 rubles.

    3. Audi RS5 DTM (2019)

    Model with an emblem, where the car is stylized as a silhouette Audi RS5, and the stars are located in a circle. Interestingly, on the racing versions the stars were made of reflective material for better visibility.

    4. Porsche 911 RSR (2017, anniversary series)

    On these vehicles, the emblem with five stars symbolized the 50th anniversary of victories Porsche in Le Mans. The emblems were made of titanium and were individually numbered.

    If you come across a car with a similar emblem on the road, you can assume that this is either a racing car or a replica of it. In any case, this is a reason to look into the history of the car - perhaps it has an interesting past!

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about car and star emblems

    Is it possible to drive with a racing team logo if the car has not been raced?

    Yes, but with reservations. If the logo does not contain brand logos (for example, Mercedes or BMW), its use is legal. However, if the sign imitates the official symbols of the racing series (for example, FIA), this may be considered copyright infringement. Also, the traffic police inspector may require you to remove the sticker if it blocks your view or looks like special signals.

    How much does an original Mercedes-AMG star emblem cost?

    The price depends on the model and material:

    • Vinyl sticker: 8,000–12,000 rubles.
    • Metal emblem (aluminum): 15,000–25,000 rubles.
    • Emblem with serial number (for collectors): 30,000–50,000 rubles.

    You can buy on the website Mercedes-AMG or from official dealers.

    How to check whether a car with such an emblem has participated in races?

    There are several ways:

    1. Check VIN code through services CarVertical or AutoDNA — there may be a history of participation in competitions.
    2. Ask the seller for a racing federation certificate (e.g. FIA or DMSB).
    3. Check the emblem number on the manufacturer's website (for example, Porsche Motorsport maintains a database).
    4. Contact the brand owners club - they may know the history of a particular car.

    If the seller refuses to provide documents, most likely the emblem is homemade.

    Is it possible to make an emblem with the Ferrari or Lamborghini logo yourself?

    No, this is a copyright violation. Brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche actively protect their symbols. For illegal use of a logo, you can receive a lawsuit in the amount of up to 500,000 rubles (under Article 1484 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation). If you want a stylized logo, create a unique design without borrowing brand elements.

    Does the presence of such an emblem affect the selling price of the car?

    Yes, but the effect depends on the context:

    • If the emblem is original and confirms its racing past, the price may increase by 10–30%.
    • If this is a homemade sticker without a story, the cost will not change, and some buyers may perceive this as a minus.
    • If the emblem imitates a racing one, but the car has not participated in competitions, this may deter serious buyers.

    Before selling, it is better to remove non-original badges so as not to raise unnecessary questions.