The registration number of a car is not just a part, but a symbol that allows it to be identified. Sometimes this makes some drivers manipulate it, altering or hiding it. The reason for setting non-standard numbers is also the desire to stand out. But for this originality, they can be fined a considerable amount or even more severely punished.
Read in this article
The appearance and features of the installation of the car number are governed by GOST R 50577-93. The sign must meet several requirements:
- correspond to the type of vehicle;
- be located on a vertical surface exactly relative to the auto axis of symmetry or slightly to the left of it;
- the angle between it and the longitudinal plane of the vehicle must be 90 degrees, deviations are possible by no more than 3 degrees;
- the same parameter value should be adhered to with respect to the reference surface, but the error is allowed at 5 degrees;
- the bottom line of the sign must be at a height of at least 300 mm from the horizontal plane (for motorcycles - 200), and the top line - 1200 mm (an increase of up to 2000 mm is allowed);
- all symbols of the number are made clearly distinguishable, human-readable and video recording system;
- the distance from which it should be visible in the evening or at night is 20 m, for this, lighting devices are fixed near the sign in accordance with GOST R 41.4;
- it is necessary to fix the number with bolts or screws of the same color as the main field, or light ones;
- for fixing it is permissible to use frames;
- the sign should be clearly visible at angles of 15 degrees when viewed from above and below, 30 degrees when viewed from the right or left;
- letters and numbers of numbers must correspond to certain sizes and writing features specified in GOST;
- the fixing elements of the signs should be fastened as securely as possible so as not to allow them to fall off during movement.
Incorrect license plate setting
Sometimes drivers are sure that the registration plate on their car is installed correctly, but in reality it is not. Frequent deviations from the norm for which punishment is imposed are:
- additional holes in the number plate, made for more reliable fastening or other purposes;
- obstruction of the vehicle light devices with a symbol;
- the size of the sign extending beyond the boundaries of the side parts of the car;
- obstructing the number of symbols, including edging, the inscription "RUS" or the flag, with fixing devices;
- devices that make it impossible to view the components of the mark;
- fasteners that differ in color from the permitted ones or have a reflective surface;
- font of numbers and letters that do not correspond to the standard.
Violations concerning appearance numbers, except for GOST are registered in " Technical Regulations". The document defines the features of safe use of the vehicle and contains a list of conditions under which it is impossible.
Places for fastening, incl. rear number
The registration mark is placed on a flat, level surface in a specific place:
- for trucks, passenger cars, Vehicles intended for passenger transportation, it is necessary to have a back and front number;
- for all others, the norm is to mount the sign only at the back.
The plane to which the identification plates are attached is vertical. Usually, the number is set in the center, sometimes with a slight offset to the left. This feature of the permitted fixation is due to the fact that it should not block other nearby elements of the car from view. And the sign itself cannot be seen partially because of them, only completely.
Sometimes the vehicle does not have a designated area for a license plate. But the signs still need to be fixed in accordance with GOST.
Anti-vandal framework and rules for their installation
Criminals often remove license plates from cars for profit or other purposes. 
To prevent this from happening, the owners install devices that can protect them from theft. Anti-vandal framework makes it almost impossible to withdraw numbers.
But they can also lead to the fact that the driver will be fined or deprived of his license. The protection must be selected and installed so that the sign complies with GOST.
If the motorist does not have a goal other than saving from thieves to make his elements difficult to distinguish, the main difficulty is fastening the frame. According to GOST, for the sake of this, it is impossible to drill additional holes for bolts in the plate itself. That is, it is allowed to use only such protection that will be attached using secret fixing elements or transitional ones. For them, holes are usually made in the bumper of a car, which is not stipulated by GOST, which means that it is allowed.
As for the appearance, the main thing is that the frame:
- did not distort the numbers and letters of the number;
- did not crawl over them;
- did not reduce the edging (it should be 3 mm);
- did not reduce the size of the flag;
- allowed to identify the region code.
For information on how to properly install the protective frame for the number, see this video:
Penalty for wrong license plates
The punishment for a registration mark that does not meet the requirements of the law is imposed under Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code. But it has several sections. And the driver does not always correctly assess the degree of his guilt for a violation in this area, therefore he deliberately ignores the requirements for the sign. The punishment for him is in the form:
- A fine of 500 rubles. for a dirty room, if it interferes with considering its individual elements or completely. Often traffic police officers replace such a measure with a warning, which is also possible under Part 1 of this article. Those who have installed non-standard numbers, for example, with a different font, too narrow or wide edging, other violations, unless they are provided for by other sections 12.2 of the Administrative Code.
- A fine of 5,000 rubles. or deprivation of VU for 1 - 3 months. The punishment is imposed for driving a car, the numbers of which are not installed in the correct place, modified or have devices that prevent the identification of the vehicle.
- Forced payments in 2500 rubles. (for citizens), 15,000 - 20,000 rubles. (for officials), 400,000 - 500,000 p. (for legal entities), if the car has a knowingly someone else's or a fake number. A punishment is imposed if a car with a forged sign did not even have time to participate in traffic.
The strictest measure is chosen for those who drove out in a car with someone else's or nonexistent number. It is regulated by section 4 of article 12.2 of the Code:
Driving a vehicle with knowingly forged state registration plates shall entail deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of six months to one year.
For what shenanigans with numbers you can get a fine
Drivers use many tricks to hide the sign or distort some of its elements. They are not as harmless as they seem. And they do not fall under the 1st section of Article 12.2, but under its 2nd part. What motorists use to hide the license plate from video systems:
- Infrared light fixtures. They are placed in a plate frame so that the radiation can deceive the camera, preventing it from reading the numbers. The backlight is needed here, but it should be white, installed for a clear view of the sign. And infrared lights for modern cameras do not interfere with seeing it, but they themselves are clearly distinguishable by them. Therefore, a fine is inevitable here under Part 2 of Article 12.2.
- Folding numbers. The essence of the invention is that they look like ordinary cars at low speed. And if it rises, the sign folds in the form of an accordion, and it is impossible to read it. But this is also a violation, since additional devices that interfere with license plate recognition are unacceptable. The minimum that the driver will receive is 5,000 rubles. fine.
- Flip sign. If you attach it with a spring to the speedometer, as you pick up speed, the entire plate changes position relative to the support. This will prevent the high-mounted camera from seeing the numbers. But for a system attached to a traffic light, reading will remain available, as will the detection of the driver's trick.
Frame-flip on the license plate of the car - Magnetic devices. The fixtures are in two parts. A metal plate is attached over the number, covering part of the symbols. A magnet is installed under it, the effect of which can be neutralized by pressing a button in the cabin. The plate is removed - and the number becomes visible, if necessary. But such a maneuver can be photographed by a traffic police officer and presented with part 2 of article 12.2.
- Transparent or dense film, mesh. Most simple ways hide the sign are the most hopeless. The video system also identifies it when the symbols are sealed. A traffic police officer will fine 5,000 rubles without reservation. or will take away the rights.
- Inverted digits of the number. For example, the front plate is placed as it should, and the back plate is upside down. It seems that there is no violation here at all. But it exists and consists in the fact that reading the number is difficult. Nevertheless, the video system reads the signs, detects their discrepancy from the front and back.
- Blinds. By pressing a button, the registration plate is covered with a plate crawling onto it and is also removed if necessary. But the second part of the process is slow, the traffic police officer will be able to photograph her and accuse the driver of the violation.
Car curtain frame - Reflective coating. Not only prohibited, but also useless way to hide from a video camera. Modern systems control such varnishes and paints will not interfere with the recognition of all numbers. And the driver with their use will definitely receive a fine if he is stopped by the traffic police.
The correct license plate is one of the hallmarks of a disciplined motorist. A law-abiding driver doesn't need to manipulate him. And if he is seen in this, he should expect more attention from the traffic police than the rest.
Useful video
For information on what folding frames are for a license plate on a car, see this video:
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Today is another useful article. Today I want to talk about how to fix car plate numbers... To be practical and aesthetically pleasing. Of course, you can buy decorative bolts for a number, but you know, they don't always look good. Sometimes, even on the contrary, for some reason manufacturers stick reflectors on them. And they are not cheap (up to 500 rubles), so today I will tell you two practical, aesthetic and inexpensive way fixing car numbers ...
I'll make a reservation right away, we will strengthen the plastic number holder. Because this holder is now installed on 95% of cars.
Before fixing the car number, you need to practically fix the back wall of the plastic holder. The back wall is plastic and sometimes it is it that breaks, that is, the number flies off together with the plastic holder completely.
First, we fix the rear wall, usually two washers are enough, which are installed under the screws. We look at the drawing.
The entire back wall has been strengthened, now it will not get lost from movement or contact with obstacles, from snow, for example. And it will be more difficult to disrupt it.
Now we fix the number itself. First, we assemble the structure.
We insert the number into the grooves and close it with a plastic lid. Now you can attach the numbers.
The first way
The first method is practical, but not so aesthetic. Here we will be helped by plastic harnesses that tighten the number on the sides.
Everything is very simple. We insert into the holes and tighten the harnesses. We cut off the excess. Very practical, so the room won't fall off. But it could be more beautiful.
This method can be used, but the aesthetic component of such an attachment leaves much to be desired.
Second way
Also practical, but already aesthetic. For this method, we need to buy a "VAZ 2108 tailgate upholstery piston", they are used at VAZ, they cost a penny to fix the upholstery. Made in the shape of a herringbone. Here is a photo.
Before attaching, you need to cut off the excess, because they are longer than the thickness of the number, we shorten it a little.
Then just take and insert these fasteners into the holes of the plastic holder, then just push. The mount comes in, but does not come back out and firmly fixes the car number. Thus, we achieve practicality and aesthetics.
5000 rubles of a fine or deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of 1 to 3 months can be obtained when meeting with a traffic inspector for the absence of at least one number plate on the car while driving on the roads or for deliberately hiding even one number or letter on the number. The same punishment can be received if the license plates are installed incorrectly, for example, if even one of them “looks” into the asphalt.
Driving a car without license plates is allowed only for newly purchased cars within 10 days from the date of purchase. But if the license plates were received earlier than the expiration date, then you can drive the car without breaking the rules only after fixing them on it. Therefore, before traveling to the GBBD for state numbers, you should take care in advance of installing their mounting frames or another way of installing them on a car.
A fine of 500 rubles or a warning can be received if it is impossible to see even one letter or number on the number from a distance of 20 meters due to natural pollution - dirt or snow on the number. If you are stopped by an inspector and there is a suspicion that the license plates are dirty, then in order to get off with just a warning, you need to wipe the license plates with a pre-prepared napkin before talking to the inspector.
You should not agree with the inspector when he tries to equate the pollution of car license plates with their absence and the imposition of a fine of 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for up to three months. This is an illegal requirement. The maximum punishment under the law for such a violation can only be in the form of a fine of 500 rubles.
Therefore, in order to exclude the imposition of a fine or deprivation of driving rights, it is necessary to correctly and reliably fix the license plate and promptly clean its surface from dirt.
How to remove the plastic holder
license plate from the car
Once upon a winter frosty morningWhile clearing the snow from the car, I found out that the frame in the plastic holder of the front license plate of the car, which had served faithfully for more than seven years, had cracked, and several lower clips came out of the grooves. The license plate one of the lower corners protruded from the frame at the bottom and held on "parole". I was lucky that I found a breakdown on time, since on one of the bumps while the car was moving, the number would definitely fall out of the holder.
On severe frost the plastic of the holder has lost its elasticity, and the attempt to fix the frame at its base with the help of the standard clamps was unsuccessful. There was no time to carry out repairs and had to temporarily fix the license plate with two plastic clamps threaded through the holes provided for fixing in it and the frame. The reliability of fastening with clamps was in doubt, so at the first opportunity I started repairing the number holder.
The license plate in the holder is fixed with a movable frame. Its upper part at the base is held by elastic plastic hinges, which makes it possible to take the lower part of the frame to the side when installing the number at the base of the holder. The photo shows the loop that snapped in my number holder.
After installing the number at the base of the holder, the lower part of the frame at its base is fixed using several latches shown in the photo. In order to remove the license plate from the holder, these latches must be disengaged one by one using a flat-blade screwdriver.
After removing the license plate, access to the screws securing the plate holder opens. As you can see in the photo, the holder on the car bumper is fixed with two self-tapping screws.
In order to remove the plastic holder from the bumper of the car, it is enough to unscrew the screws with a screwdriver with a cross-head.
Repair of the plastic holder of the car license plate
do it yourself
The license plate holder has been removed from the car, and now, in a workshop, you can do it yourself repairing it.
As you can see in the photo, the cracked part of the frame is several millimeters thick. Therefore, it can be repaired by combining two technological methods - gluing and reinforcement with metal brackets.
Gluing the cracked part of the frame will not give high reliability, and is only necessary for the convenience of installing the brackets. In order not to wait a long time, gluing was carried out with the help of Super Moment quick-setting glue.
Then, using an electric soldering iron, the joint was reinforced with two brackets made of copper wire for electrical wiring with a diameter of about 1 mm.
The brackets were sunk into the plastic flush with the frame surface and became virtually invisible. For clarity, the photograph shows the brackets not yet melted on top of the plastic. The repair with the thermal reinforcement of the staples in plastic gives a complete guarantee that the connection will never come loose.
To repair the plastic hinge located on the top of the number holder, a slightly different technology had to be used.
Before the repair, the movable part of the number holder was fixed in its base and the crack was filled with an electric soldering iron.
But reflow repair cannot ensure the reliability of the connection, so in addition a special-shaped staple was bent from a paper clip, as shown in the photo.
The bracket was sunk into the plastic body, and it remained only to smooth the surface with sandpaper. Despite the rigidity of the connection, the lower part of the frame freely folded back a couple of centimeters, which is quite enough to tuck a license plate into the license plate holder.
But the unexpected happened. The frost was more than 25 ° C outside, and after fixing the license plate holder to the bumper of the car, it was impossible to fix the license plate in the holder. The plastic lost its elasticity from the cold, and the latches did not want to be fixed. I had to use plastic clamps again.
Making a metal holder
do it yourself car license plate
Since it was not possible to fix the license plate in the plastic holder of the license plate after its repair in the cold, I had to make a new plate holder with my own hands from the material at hand.
There was a 2 mm thick aluminum plate of a suitable size, and it was decided to make a homemade number holder from it. Aluminum is lightweight, durable, easy to process and does not oxidize when exposed to atmospheric precipitation. The dimensions were taken from the license plate and the drawing presented above was made.
The size of 150 mm was chosen based on the holes in the bumper of the car, made earlier to secure the plastic number holder.
The number holder was cut from a sheet using a metal hacksaw, the corners were rounded off with a flat file with a large notch. The holes are drilled with a drill bit for metal. It remains only to install a homemade number plate holder on the bumper of the car and fix the number plate on it with screws.
When fixing the number holder on the bumper, there was a difficulty with self-tapping screws. Since the license plate must fit snugly to the plane of the number holder, self-tapping screws for plastic with a countersunk head were needed, with a large thread pitch and so that the threads begin at the head itself. Finding such a screw turned out to be problematic, but I remembered that in the computer power supply the cooler in its case is screwed on with just such screws with a diameter of 4 mm. I unscrewed the screws from the burnt out power supply unit.
A self-made license plate holder was screwed to the car bumper with self-tapping screws. For a more secure fit, you can use metric screws threaded through the bumper and screwed into nuts with wide washers located on the inside of it.
Although according to the Requirements for the installation of state registration plates on vehicles for their fastening, bolts or screws with heads having the color of the field of the sign or light galvanic coatings should be used, I could not find screws with beautiful heads that meet these requirements. Therefore, I used it with a dark coating, since the diameter of their heads is only 3 mm larger than the holes in the license plate and at the glance it is almost invisible. In any case, the GBDB officers do not ask questions.
The screws were M6 with a thread length of 10 mm, with a ball head for a hexagonal bit. To prevent spontaneous unscrewing threaded connection between the nut and a simple washer was installed spring washer type "grower".
Now government number grips securely on the car and looks elegant. I plan to replace in the near future with a self-made plastic holder for the mount and back plate.
How to fix a number?
Not only its durability, but also the safety of the owner's wallet will depend on how correctly the registration of the license plate is carried out. Our article will tell you how to behave correctly if the number is lost. And below you will find detailed instructions how to fix the car number.
How to fix a license plate correctly
So, first of all: the license plates should be fixed in accordance with GOST, namely:
- Bolts and cap screws in the same color as the part number or electroplated.
- You can attach the sign using special frames.
- The registration plate must be installed strictly along the axis of the vehicle.
There are two ways to fix registration plates:
- With the help of special clamps, which are essentially flexible metal or plastic wire.
- Using bolts and screws.
Fixing numbers with clamps
Now directly about fastening the sign with clamps. To do this, any license plate frame is bolted to the car. Now it is necessary to insert the sign itself into it and from the sides to tie it with clamps to the frame. Such fastening of numbers on the car is considered correct and fast, but not the most reliable. Therefore, if this method does not suit you, try to fix the signs with screws and bolts.
Fastening signs with bolts and screws
The license plate must be fixed to the car body using bolts or self-tapping screws. For this, it can be used as existing factory special 
holes, and made independently in accordance with the size of the license plate. Be sure to use washers with the bolts. They will allow you to fix the frame very firmly, and therefore the numbers will be well fixed on the car.
Then it is necessary to insert the license plate into the attached frame and, pressing it firmly against the body, fix it with rivets. And in conclusion, it is necessary to firmly fix the control part of the frame already on the number itself. This must be done, again, with rivets.
This is how you can easily, quickly and correctly fix the registration plates on the car yourself.
The registration number of the car is not an elegant accessory that adds style to the car, but a necessary element, without which leaving for roadway prohibited. For reliability, all numbers are installed in a special frame, which will allow not to lose the product on the way, as well as protect it from theft. By the way, they steal license plates with enviable activity, for what? There are many reasons ranging from using your registration number to commit a crime to taking revenge on neighbors. There have also appeared "extortionists" who like to unscrew "thieves" numbers and demand a ransom for them. In any case, it is better not to delay and contact the authorities and MREO as soon as possible for data recovery. And for the future, it is better to make sure that a metal frame for a license plate or an anti-vandal plastic analogue is installed on your car.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that according to GOST 97696-75, clause 2.8 "License plate lamp", all motorists must install one or more lamps above the license plate, otherwise you may be fined 500 rubles. A ready-made frame for a backlit room or a homemade installation of LEDs or other bulbs will help to solve this problem. In addition to such frames, there are also other types of fixtures.
Number frame types
If we talk about what a backlit number frame is, then everything is simple. In fact, every car has a "native" license plate illumination, but most often it shines dimly and somewhere in the back of the car. Illuminated frames illuminate the entire perimeter of the license plate, making your registration number clearly visible at any time of the day.
Well, for those who prefer, first of all, to make sure that the numbers are not removed, there are special anti-vandal frames.
Anti-vandal framework
These accessories are simple, but quite effective elements for protecting rooms from thieves. Thanks to the special fastening technology, an attacker, even with all his diligence, will not be able to remove such a sign. It is impossible to unscrew the secret screws, since they are intended only for a single installation, therefore they cannot be unscrewed with a regular screwdriver.
Curtain frames
Among drivers, there are more and more those who prefer the frame to perform several “other” functions, namely, to help hide from the eyes of the traffic police and traffic cameras. The benefit here is dubious, since it is one thing to pay for a slight excess of speed, and another to lose your rights and a rather large sum of money for using an illegal device. But as the saying goes, "the need for invention is cunning" and today a motorist can easily buy a frame equipped with a special shutter.
Externally, the shutter frame looks like a regular one, but when you press just one button, a black opaque shutter is lowered to protect the registration number. The radio remote control from such a frame can be carried with you or left in the car. In this case, you can close both rooms at once, or only one of them. For the convenience of motorists, so that they do not forget to open the curtain in time, a special light indicator is provided. Such accessories cost from 3,500 rubles.
In addition to protecting against vandals, dirt and dust, such an element will make you invisible to traffic cameras. Among the "tricky" frames, there are also other options.
Flip frames
For those who have acquired two registration numbers, there are upside-down frames that allow, if necessary, rotate one sign by 180 degrees, replacing it with another alphanumeric number. It is impossible to remove numbers from such a frame, so it is not necessary to use it if you are a fan of the "Carrier". In place of one of the signs, you can put any picture and put it up at night to prevent any attempts at vandalism.
Tilted frames
Thanks to the tilt angle, your number will simply not be visible to cameras. Such devices differ in the principle of operation and are:
- Electronic folding. After pressing a special button, the number "flips" to a horizontal position.
- Self-reclining. Such elements are reclined depending on the speed of the oncoming air, respectively, if you are moving at normal speed, the sign remains in the field of view, but as soon as the speed has been increased, the frame begins to bend.
Such products cost about 7,000 rubles, but the price may vary, since they are not manufactured by official dealer auto centers.
At the same time, according to the majority of fans of "driving", there are no contradictions in the direction of the legislation of the Russian Federation in this case, because there is a license plate, it is visible, and that it is located at the "wrong" angle is not a motorist's problem. Well, judge for yourself, because so far no one has canceled Article 12.2, part 2 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation, which clearly states that when managing vehicle with a state registration plate, equipped with the use of materials that impede or hinder the identification of the car, the fine may amount to 5,000 rubles. In some cases, punishment in the form of deprivation of rights for up to 3 months may also follow. The same applies to any other framework in which a mechanism is provided to prevent the identification of the real registration number of the car. That is, if you use a flip frame, tilt or curtain, then you run the risk of "getting" on a fine.
Number frame with rear view camera
Today there are frames on sale with a rear view camera. Such devices are very convenient when parking and are an improved analogue of parking sensors. The latter are not equipped with a rear-view camera, so if there is a driftwood or high curb, then you risk damaging the car. If the car has a license plate with a rear-view camera, then the driver will see everything that happens behind the car.
At the same time, cameras within such a framework are rotary, so you can see not only what is right in front of the peephole, but also the overall picture. Such products cost from 2,500 rubles.
If we talk about the material from which the frame for the state can be made. numbers, today there are both metal and plastic elements.
What material to choose the frame for the sign
The chrome frame for the number is suitable for the central or northern region, where differences prevail temperature regimes... Unlike plastic, chrome is able to withstand temperatures from -40 to +80 degrees. At the same time, the stainless steel frame for the car license plate is shock-resistant and hardly scratches, and lasts 4 times longer than its plastic counterparts.
In turn, plastic frames are cheaper, this is especially true if you purchase this accessory for a car that is living its day. In addition, plastic is distinguished by its lightness and ease of installation, but at the same time it is still a rather tough material.
But silicone frames for rooms are distinguished by their flexibility, they are a metal base covered with silicone. In this case, such an element can be bent so that it fits as tightly as possible to the bumper.
If we talk about the price of the issue, then the number frame (stainless steel) will cost about 600 rubles, and the plastic one from 50 rubles.
When choosing a license plate, it is important to take into account not only the material of the product, but also the fixing mechanism, of which there are several.
How license frames are attached
The following commit mechanisms exist:
- One-piece. In this case, the number is held by several fasteners, and the frame itself is monolithic and firmly adheres to the car body. This type of mechanism is the cheapest, however, it has several disadvantages. First, the frame may deform during installation. Secondly, it is difficult to remove it not only for attackers, but also for the owner of the car. Also this simplest mechanism will not allow installing additional protective elementssuch as a curtain or anti-vandal fasteners.
- Two-piece with a latch. Such frames are most popular due to their high level of protection and relatively low price. Unlike one-piece models, this number frame curtains and other anti-vandal devices can be installed. The two-piece products are the base and the front cover, so that the accessory can only be opened in a specialized workshop. Such products are often called cassette products. They are made of both stainless steel and plastic.
In custody
Regardless of what products you choose (luminous frames for numbers, upside-downs, reclining, and so on), remember that the license plate, as well as the frame, should not have any prohibited abbreviations, pictures and other things. When ordering a designer accessory, you may be offered "any whim", but a representative of the law that you meet on the road will certainly not share your enthusiasm, for which you will have to pay a fine. Be careful while driving!
