Automobile expert Vladimir Sazhin spoke with Public News Service about a new bill proposed in parliament that would suspend a driver’s license for up to one and a half years when a car is operated with a concealed license plate. He noted that, in today’s world, spotting such a vehicle through automated systems remains a significant challenge, even for advanced monitoring technologies.
We keep circling back to the same debate. Currently, penalties often come as a five thousand ruble fine for driving with hidden plates, a measure that has shown limited effectiveness. He pointed out that identifying the vehicle owner quickly is nearly impossible through automation alone and typically requires human investigation; there is no widespread AI capability ready to do this in real time.
T he expert argued that stronger penalties are warranted for driving with concealed plates. He added that a portion of drivers hide their plates not solely to dodge speeding tickets, but also to avoid paying parking fees and penalties, which complicates enforcement in busy urban areas.
He suggested that violations in parking facilities should be traced through manual means, such as checking the vehicle identification number, which provides a reliable link to ownership and registration records when cameras or other systems fall short.
In July, information emerged that the State Duma was examining a bill aimed at tightening responsibility for using devices designed to obscure or render unreadable a car’s license plate.
Under the current administrative code, the offense carries a five thousand ruble fine or up to three months of license suspension. The proposed legislation would raise the risk for offenders, potentially suspending driving privileges for one to one and a half years.
Legally, devices intended to hide license plates span a wide range—from mechanical curtains and magnetic shields to electronic blocks, as well as simple covers made of paper or cardboard. Practitioners also note that even natural elements such as dirt, leaves, or snow can obscure plate visibility, complicating enforcement and creating grey areas for law enforcement officers.
Historically, some drivers have racked up a string of penalties before reaching a point of license deprivation, highlighting how enforcement dynamics can influence behavior over time. The evolving discussion around plate concealment reflects broader questions about balancing road safety, privacy, and the practical capabilities of enforcement tools in varied driving environments.