DECEMBER 30, 2024 — Starting January 1, 2025, license plates in Russia must include the national tricolor flag, following amendments to the state standard (GOST) introduced in November 2024, auto.ru reports.
This regulation will apply only to plates issued after the effective date, leaving existing plates unaffected by the new rule.
Izvestia reports that Igor Morzharetto, a member of the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, emphasized that license plates issued before January 1, 2025, without the tricolor, do not require replacement. Plates featuring only the “RUS” inscription can continue to be used without penalty. However, vehicles registered after January 1, 2025, must display the updated plates, as failing to do so will constitute a violation of traffic regulations.
While the State Traffic Inspectorate (GIBDD) has already been issuing plates with the flag, duplicate plates without the tricolor could previously be ordered from third-party manufacturers. These practices are expected to cease with the introduction of the new standard.
Lawyer Sergey Radko explained that this could result in a warning or a fine of 500 rubles. Law enforcement officers will determine compliance by verifying registration dates listed in vehicle documents.
Image: Anton Prikhodko
