State license plate illumination fine
What is the fine for not having license plate lights?
Drivers’ responsibilities include ensuring that state registration plates are fully legible and monitoring the technical condition of their own vehicles. In 2019, the fine for lack of license plate illumination according to the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation remains unchanged, however, you should familiarize yourself with situations where appropriate sanctions may be applied to drivers.
Requirements for license plate illumination
Some car owners prefer to modernize lighting devices without taking into account the requirements of GOST-8769-5. It is this legislative act that regulates the features of external lighting units.
What are the requirements for license plate illumination:
- The lamp is installed only on the rear of the car. Installation in the front is optional, but if the driver wants, he can install white or yellow lamps.
- Rear license plate illumination is required. It should only be white. The use of blue, red and other bright colors is not allowed.
If a light bulb burns out, it is recommended to change it immediately. Otherwise, even if one lamp is missing, the inspector may be held liable.
A fine for non-working or missing lighting is issued only if a violation is actually detected by the inspector. There are no devices yet that detect such deficiencies.
If there is no backlight
The complete absence of illumination means the deliberate dismantling of the device to install light bulbs. This also refers to a completely non-working lighting fixture.
Such a violation is interpreted as an obstacle to reading license plates and is punishable under Part 1 of Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. The fine in this case will be 500 rubles.
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If the lights do not work during the day, the driver cannot be held liable. The key condition is that the number is unreadable at night.
Penalty for faulty lighting
If at least one light in the backlight is not lit and the inspector discovers this, the driver will have to pay a fine of 500 rubles. (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
This malfunction prevents the legal driving of a vehicle in accordance with the Basic Rules for the Admission of Vehicles to Operation. The same applies to the above case, when the backlight is completely absent.
Are you fined for blue lighting?
Many car enthusiasts are engaged in styling and, for the sake of beauty, change the lamp in the rear license plate illumination from white to blue.
It is worth considering here that only a limited list of colors is allowed:
- Front license plate: orange, white or yellow.
- Rear: white only.
As can be seen from the above, there are no blue shades in the list of permitted shades. However, there is no fine for drivers using them: having discovered an offense, the inspector immediately draws up a protocol, and by a court decision, the citizen can be deprived of his rights for a period of 6 months to 1 year.
In some older car models, the factory design does not provide rear license plate illumination. If the car owner has an up-to-date diagnostic card, this confirms the absence of significant faults, and the inspector has no right to hold him accountable.
It is also worth considering that upon the first violation, the inspector may issue a warning. If the driver is “caught” with a similar defect more than once, pay 500 rubles. still have to. If a protocol has already been drawn up and the car owner is again stopped by a traffic police officer for lack of illumination, there is no need to pay a fine twice.
Fine for non-working rear license plate light
Good afternoon, dear reader.
In this article we will talk about the fine for non-functional illumination of the state registration plate.
Light bulbs are provided only for the rear license plate of the vehicle. This is due to the fact that the rear license plate of the car must be readable even in the dark. There are no such requirements for the front number plate, so there are no light bulbs in front.
Illuminated number in traffic regulations
First of all, I would like to note that driving a car with non-working external lighting devices is prohibited by paragraph 3.3 of the list of faults:
3. External lighting devices
.
3.3. External lighting devices and reflectors do not work in the prescribed mode or are dirty.
Light bulbs for illuminating state registration plates are classified as external lighting devices. Therefore, operating a car whose light bulb does not work is a violation of traffic rules.
Moreover, if the design provides for several backlight bulbs, then each of them should work. If at least one light bulb does not work, then this is a violation.
Fine for lack of rear license plate illumination
The lack of illumination of the rear registration plate makes it unreadable at night (Part 1 of Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code):
1. Driving a vehicle with unreadable, non-standard or installed state registration plates in violation of the requirements of the state standard, with the exception of cases provided for in Part 2 of this article -
entails a warning or the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of five hundred rubles .
Note. A state registration plate is recognized as non-standard if it does not meet the requirements established in accordance with the legislation on technical regulation, and unreadable if at a distance of 20 meters at least one of the letters or numbers of the rear state registration plate cannot be read in the dark , and in daylight hours of at least one of the letters or numbers of the front or rear state registration plate.
This fine can only be imposed at night if, due to the absence of a light bulb(s), the number has become unreadable.
For example, if one of two bulbs has burned out and the first letter of the number is not visible from 20 meters away, then the number is unreadable and the driver will receive a warning or a fine of 500 rubles .
Another example. If one of the two lamps is not lit, but the remaining lamp illuminates the number well and all its symbols are visible from 20 meters, then this fine cannot be imposed.
Fine for faulty light bulb
Let me remind you once again that the rear license plate illumination is an external lighting device. Operating a vehicle with such a malfunction is prohibited. In addition, for this violation there is a fine under Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses:
1. Driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions or conditions under which, in accordance with the Basic Provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation and the duties of officials to ensure road safety, operation of the vehicle is prohibited, with the exception of malfunctions and conditions specified in parts 2 - 7 of this article , —
entails a warning or the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of five hundred rubles.
Thus, a driver may receive a warning or a fine of 500 rubles . Moreover, this fine, unlike the one discussed above, will be imposed even if the number remains readable after the backlight fails.
In 2020, the fine for non-working rear license plate lights is not very large - a maximum of 500 rubles . Nevertheless, it is very unpleasant to receive it, especially since the price of a new light bulb is much less.
Fine for lack of rear license plate illumination
Content
Conditions of fines
Standards for using color in lighting
Choosing the right backlight
Every vehicle owner knows that license plate illumination is very important at night. Such an element is not only important in the overall appearance of the car, but is also a strict requirement of the traffic police. It consists not just in illuminating the license plate for good visibility, but also in its technical characteristics, which must comply with the norms of adopted laws. Deviation from the norm can easily become the basis for a fine. Despite such harsh conditions, car enthusiasts manage to stylishly decorate the lighting moment with backlighting.
Conditions of fines
A certain car model has its own list of external lighting devices. Therefore, penalties for malfunctioning or illegibility of a sign differ. In accordance with clause 3, part 3 of the general list of faults, driving with a switched off or faulty lighting device is punishable by a fine. Even if the lighting works, but is splashed with dirt and does not perform its functions efficiently, this violation is also punishable by a fine.
According to standards, the registration plate illumination is also an external lighting element
According to the standards, the backlight of the registration plate is also an external lighting element, and its malfunction or any defect necessarily entails punishment.
There is an important point in operating a road vehicle using lighting. If the backlight does not light up at all, and the car owner drives such a car, this may be regarded as an obstacle to the work of the traffic inspector. However, the convention applies only to night time. If this happened during the day, then there are no fines or punishments for this offense. During daylight hours, the cleanliness of the license plate is important.
There are cases that for some reason or due to external factors, even one light bulb in the lighting device does not work, and this does not make it possible to read at least part of the number; this is also punishable by a monetary penalty. The amount of such a fine in 2017 is 500 rubles.
But there are several “saving” points in which no fine will be charged:
- If one light bulb in the device does not work, but the second is located in such a way that the license plate number can be read, then there is no fine for illuminating the rear license plate. In this case, you can get by with a warning from the inspector. But it is precisely for the non-working condition that they can still be fined.
- If the lack of sufficient lighting is detected by the driver at the time the inspector stops, then in this case a verbal warning will also be issued. But it is necessary to provide evidence that the driver was not aware of the breakdown.
- If the technical design of the car does not have a backlight or a place for it and the driver has a corresponding note in the technical ticket, then this also exempts him from paying a fine.
The amount of such a fine in 2017 is 500 rubles
If it is daytime, then the current regulations do not indicate a fine for non-lit license plate lights. It only says that both numbers must be clearly read - front and rear. In the dark, a mandatory norm is a working light on the rear panel. There is also a rule stipulated by the traffic rules about the unreadability of even one character in the license plate, regardless of the time of day from 20 meters. This fact is also a violation, and you can get a fine for it.
For any motorist, fines and warnings entered into the protocol are morally unpleasant; they can ruin the reputation of an exemplary driver, but they also affect the motorist’s wallet. To avoid this, you should carefully inspect your vehicle before driving it and repair any breakdowns in a timely manner. In this case, you can avoid “ugly” marks on your license, including a fine for the lack of rear license plate illumination. This is such a small thing that is easy to track on your own.
Standards for using color in lighting
As noted above, the lighting of state registration numbers is an external lighting device; the use of color in it is limited.
The norms of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, which determine the color used in the front lighting, are quite strict. The introduction of a non-standard color scheme in the lighting of the front license plate of a car is punishable by deprivation of rights for a period of 6 to 12 months. The numbers along with the lighting fixtures are also confiscated. It is prohibited to install backlighting of the front license plate using red, blue, green, or other colors of lamps and reflective elements not provided for by the rules.
White number plate illumination is allowed
Today, the fashion for neon and LED lighting in the form of frames and overlays is very common, but they must be used carefully. If the color is white or light yellow, this is allowed. It is not recommended to place lighting frames or strips with diodes at the edges of the number. It will look brighter and more attractive, but you can also get a fine from the highway patrol service for a tidy sum for such illumination of the license plate.
Based on the basic provisions and requirements for operation and the approval of a particular vehicle for operation, equipping the license plate of the rear of the car with red lights is a malicious violation. This is regarded as a lack of required room lighting. For such “art”, a private person can suffer in the amount of 3 thousand rubles. Individuals in official positions lose 15–20 thousand, but legal entities can receive a penalty of 400–500 thousand rubles and confiscation of lighting devices. Is the brightness and attractiveness worth that kind of money? It’s better to keep the license plate lights off, and a fine of 500 rubles won’t hit your pocket so hard.
It is prohibited to use inappropriate colors in rear license plate lamps, except for:
The same standard applies to reflective devices for better visibility.
Number plate illumination
Choosing the right backlight
To protect yourself and be sure that such a trifle as the absence or breakage of a light on a license plate will not lead to trouble, you need to install high-quality lighting elements.
Experienced specialists advise replacing the factory backlights with more modern and high-quality ones. Powerful LED lamps that will meet all requirements are available in a large assortment. They will not flood the letters and numbers on the canvas with bright light and will not blind the eyes. It is worth paying attention to light bulbs with lenses. These elements provide good, bright and diffused light, which allows you to clearly see the room. Even though their cost will be higher, their efficiency and safety will pay for themselves over time.
Additional elements that will be auxiliary in the lighting around the rear license plate may be cheaper. To do this, you can use separate LEDs of certain colors. A regular LED strip can also serve as a source for creating lighting. Installing such devices is not particularly difficult, but with their help you can reduce the likelihood of receiving a fine.
LED lamp LED 12V T10 3SMD 2835 White
If new lighting is installed correctly, tested for performance and resistance to external factors, the result will be bright and worthy of attention. But the main thing is that it does not interfere with viewing the license plate with all the designations.
When using an additional light source in the area of numbers, you need to remember that there is still a risk when installing it yourself, because you can make a mistake in choosing the color and the correct placement. And such consequences can lead to close attention from inspectors ensuring road safety.
Is it worth repeating that “showing off” in the form of neon lights in blue, pink, green and other colors entails a fine, confiscation of devices and deprivation of the right to drive for a certain period?
What is the fine for non-functioning license plate lights?
Car license plate illumination is an important condition for driving any vehicle. It is necessary for quick and convenient identification of a car’s registration plate by a traffic police officer at a distance. For example, when she is at a distance of 20 meters from the traffic inspector. When checking a driver’s documents or if he is stopped for violating traffic rules, police officers should not have difficulty reading the letters and numbers on the license plate.
On what grounds can you be charged a fine? How much will its amount be? What threatens the driver for non-payment? You will learn about this in this article. In addition, we will tell you about all the possible ways to pay a fine for illuminating a rear license plate, and also give some useful tips on how to avoid administrative punishment for this offense.
Grounds for punishment
According to current traffic regulations , vehicle registration numbers must be legible at any time of the day - both day and night . This rule applies to both front and rear numbers. Thus, license plates are considered unreadable if it is not possible to distinguish at least one letter or number on them. In this regard, in the dark, it is necessary to ensure that the car’s license plate is illuminated using special lighting devices. Often it is this kind of lighting that becomes the subject of driver violations. So, the most common reasons for a fine include:
- Lack of rear license plate illumination;
- Faulty lighting fixtures;
- The backlight is not working properly.
Without illumination at night, the license plate cannot be readable; accordingly, the absence of lighting devices will be a violation of traffic rules. If they were installed, but for some reason do not work, the traffic police officer will also consider this situation as an offense. In order to avoid such a problem, you need to monitor the operation of the lights and replace them in a timely manner.
How much do you need to pay?
There are a number of penalties for any administrative offense, and the lack of lighting lamps is no exception. Traffic police officers are empowered to stop passing cars and check the presence and serviceability of lighting equipment on registration numbers. Moreover, the police have the right to issue a fine to the violator. The amount of such a penalty will be 500 rubles . Please note that within 20 days from the date of the decision you can pay the fine with a 50% discount.
How to avoid sanctions?
However, in some cases you won’t have to pay a fine for lack of backlighting. How can you avoid liability for the lack of lighting? So, the law is on your side if:
- The design of the car does not provide for backlighting;
- The backlight broke on the road;
- Only one light bulb is not on.
If the structure of the car does not imply illumination of the rear license plate, and you have a certificate of passing a technical inspection, then the inspector does not have the right to draw up a report. As a rule, this applies to older car models. It is also worth noting that the interpretation of the law on the unreadability of license plates includes the malfunction of all backlights at once. If only one lamp is broken, the traffic police inspector does not have the right to demand that you pay a fine.
State license plate illumination fine
Let's consider a situation where one or more license plate illumination lamps do not work (do not light up), or non-standard license plate illumination lamps are installed.
One or all vehicle license plate lamps do not light up
The design of any car provides lamps for illuminating the rear registration number.
These low-power bulbs turn on together with the side lights and are designed to ensure the readability of the vehicle’s license plate at night. At the same time, there are no lamps for lighting the front number. It’s good when all the car’s devices are working as normal, but we are interested in the question of which motorist will be fined for non-working license plate lamps.
Is it allowed to drive with the license plate lights not working?
The Road Traffic Rules provide a complete and exhaustive list of faults for which the operation of vehicles on public roads is prohibited. Clause 3 regulates the ban on operating vehicles with faulty lighting devices:
Since all lamps, incl. and registration plate lights are lighting devices; this prohibition also applies to driving with the rear license plate illumination lamps not lit.
Fine for driving with faulty license plate lights
For operating vehicles with faults listed in the above List of Faults, a fine is provided under Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
This fine is imposed regardless of whether the license plate with non-working backlight is readable or not. Since there is a malfunction of the external lighting devices, operation is prohibited.
Fine for driving with rear license plate illumination not working
If at night a motorist drives his vehicle with faulty rear registration plate lamps, he may be brought to administrative liability under Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
In the context of the article, punishment under this article of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation is imposed in the dark, when the existing illumination of the rear license plate does not ensure its readability from a distance of 20 meters. In this case, it does not matter how and how many license plate lamps are not lit. It is even possible that the car owner has replaced the lamps with non-standard ones, and they both light up, but only illuminate part of the license plate due to their design feature. In this case, a fine may also be imposed under Art. 12.2, because The number is not readable.
But the above-mentioned Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, which prohibits the operation of vehicles in the presence of a certain list of faults, can be applied.
